BANGALORE: The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry owners and Agents Association announced that 30,000 lorries would go on an indefinite strike from October 26 midnight.The strike is supported by former CM HD Kumaraswamy to protest against the lack of rules and policies towards ferrying of sand in the state. Speaking to reporters, G R Shanmugappa, president of the Association, alleged that the government has not been proactive to their demands for issuing of permits to lorries to carry sand. “Our attempts to meet CM D V Sadananda Gowda and Home and Transport Minister R Ashok have failed. They have not heeded to our demands,” he said.He added that they sought H D Kumaraswamy’s support as lorry owners had little problems during his government. “HDK had laid down rules for ferrying of sand and this government is only interested in bribes,” alleged Shanmugappa.For a single load of sand, each lorry requires a bribe to the tune of Rs 40,000-Rs 50,000.“Although the government has identified places for collection of sand, we are fined as we do not have permits. Some of the owners and drivers were even jailed,” lamented Shanmugappa.He said that the association is non-political and also stated that they are taking Kumaraswamy’s help as the present government had failed them. “When we went to CM’s residence, he was not interested to meet us. Further, Ashok had promised us a solution within 3 months, and 3 years have passed but nothing has been done,” the association president said.The association will start its state-wide indefinite strike from October 26. “We have spoken to Kumaraswamy and other Congress leaders who have promised to support us. This is a serious situation. Sand is required for construction. We want the government to legalize sand ferrying and issue permits,” he added.
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