Jowai, Dec 6: The Jaiñtia Hills Truck Owners Association (JHTOA) on Monday began its indefinite strike where members and Office Bearers of the Association gathered at Takhniang, Tuber, East Jaiñtia Hills whereby they forced trucks to return to cement factories.

It may be mentioned here that the JHTOA had demanded from the Cement Companies to implement transportation charges as notified by the Government which is Rs. 7 per MT per KM and other demands which include relocation of their godowns to Byrnihat and that special preferences be given to trucks owned by the members of JHTOA and from the state.

A short meeting was also organised at the venue where it was decided that the strike will continue till the demands of the Association are met. Nidamon Chullet, the president of the JHTOA, urged upon others who are participating in the strike across the state to remain peaceful and not to resort to violence. He also informed that they are against the procurement of trucks by cement Companies, as they apparently have not procured Trading Licences and also affected the local truck owners.

He further stated that December 7th the strike will include all kinds of transport from and to the cement factories.

Chullet also urged upon the government to take cognizance of the matter as these companies are not complying with the rates set by the state government and warned that the Association will intensify its agitation in the coming days.