Karnataka truck owners on indefinite strike over fuel price hike and harassment at toll plazas

The FOKSLOAA alleged that the stir is also against the unreasonable no-entry restrictions in Bengaluru, and the widespread harassment by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance institutions, including unlawful vehicle seizures and mental harassment of vehicle owners.

The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners and Agents Association (FOKSLOAA) are on an indefinite strike starting April 14 midnight against fuel price hike and harassment at toll plazas. FOKSLOAA's honorary general secretary Somasundaram Balan said the federation is the biggest transport body in Karnataka with nearly six lakh trucks enrolled with it and comprises 196 truckers’ bodies. In a letter to its members, FOKSLOAA gave a call for an indefinite suspension of transport operations in Karnataka "for resolution of critical and long-standing issues faced by the road transport sector in the state".

"Steep hike in Value Added Taxes (VAT) on diesel, resulted in an increase of ₹5 per litre over the last nine months, severely escalating operating costs for transporters," the letter said. "Persistent extortion and harassment at state toll plazas, cause undue stress and financial burden," the federation alleged. The federation alleged that the stir is also against the unreasonable no-entry restrictions in Bengaluru, and the widespread harassment by Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFC) and microfinance institutions, including unlawful vehicle seizures and mental harassment of vehicle owners.

Members of the Andhra Pradesh Lorry Owners’ Association (APLOA) have announced their support for the strike call by the FOKSLOAA. With inputs from PTI.