Truck operators from across Punjab gathered here on Thursday to protest against the government’s decision to disband 134 truck unions in the state.
The operators, under the banner of All Punjab Truck Operator Union, announced a ‘chakka jam’ on July 9 against the move and threatened to intensify the stir if the government did not budge.
The union leaders said their trucks will not transport anything on July 9 and if the government didn’t relent they will block roads with trucks to ensure a full ‘chakka jam’.
The truckers converged at the New Grain Market in Punjab chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh’s hometown, and raised slogans against his government.
The All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC) and Himachal truckers units also extended their support to the protesting truckers. AIMTC’s Kultaran Singh Atwal and Krishan Saini from Baddi attended the protest.
All Punjab Truck Operators’ Union leader Happy Sandhu said people elected the Congress government to create employment and ensure their welfare but it was hell-bent on destroying their lives.
{{/usCountry}}All Punjab Truck Operators’ Union leader Happy Sandhu said people elected the Congress government to create employment and ensure their welfare but it was hell-bent on destroying their lives.
{{/usCountry}}He said, “The Congress talked of providing jobs for all but it is taking away employment from lakhs of truck operators. Nearly 4 lakh persons will be directly hit by the decision to scrap the truck unions. Small truck operators cannot compete with the large transport firms. The government cannot punish all truck unions for the misdeeds of a couple of truck operators.”
Dera Bassi Truck Union president Kuljit Singh Randhawa, a Congress leader, also lashed at the government. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Jai Krishan Singh from Garhshankar also attended the rally.
Some truckers even threatened to gherao the CM’s residence but then said they will decide their next course of action.