Tirupur textile units to join Bharat Bandh with transporters

C Dhanraj, secretary, Tamil Nadu State Lorry Owners Federation said that lorry owners were hit directly due to skyrocketing diesel prices.  “Despite raising the issue and demanding to cap the rising fuel prices, the Union government has failed to act. Hence, around 4.5 lakh lorries will stay off the road from 6 am to 6 pm on Monday in support of the protest,” he said.

Over 17 trade unions, including CITU’s Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) and State Lorry Owners Association, will take part in the protest.

Similarly, 75,000 sand lorries will not be operated demanding to slash fuel prices. “After the BJP government took over, the diesel prices have increased by Rs 16 just in the last four years. Our business has been severely affected due to increasing fuel prices,” said Sella Rajamani, president of Tamil Nadu Sand Lorry Owners Federation (TNSLOF).

Expressing concern over the skyrocketing fuel prices, the Kovai Power Driven Pumps and Spares Manufacturers Association (KOPMA) pledged its support for the nation-wide bandh.

“The pump industry has been dependent on varnish, gun metal buses, grease and oil made of petroleum products. As their prices have gone up by up to 30 per cent to 60 per cent, it becomes inevitable to increase the prices of pumps. This in-turn hits farmers and poor people. Both the state and Union governments should take immediate steps to reduce various taxes on fuel to save 

our ailing industry,” said K Maniraj, president of KOPMA.

Thousands of textile units in Tirupur has also expressed their support for the bandh and will stay off from production.

Meanwhile, Coimbatore City Police Commissioner K Periaiah has warned of severe action against people forcing shops to shut down during the bandh. “Over 5,000 cops will be deployed in vital locations as a precautionary measure. Patrolling will also be increased and strict action would be initiated against those insisting shops to close,” he said.

The autorickshaw unions too have planned to take part in the strike. However, essential services would be maintained in the state.