Karnataka Truckers Call Off Strike After Govt Assurance
Bengaluru,: The Federation of Karnataka State Lorry Owners’ and Agents’ Association (FOKSLOAA) called off its statewide strike on Thursday after receiving assurances from the state government to address key grievances. The strike, which began at midnight on Monday, had disrupted transport services across Karnataka.
### **Strike Called Over Multiple Demands**
FOKSLOAA, the apex body representing truckers, transporters, and cab operators in Karnataka, had launched the protest with a list of demands, including a reduction in diesel prices and resolution of toll-related issues. The association, which comprises 129 truckers’ unions and six lakh members, argued that rising operational costs were severely impacting their businesses.
### **Talks with Govt Lead to Resolution**
Initial discussions between FOKSLOAA representatives, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Tuesday failed to yield a breakthrough. However, after a second round of talks on Thursday, the association agreed to withdraw the strike.
“Following a productive meeting with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, we have decided to call off the protest,” said FOKSLOAA president G R Shanmugappa.
### **Govt Rules Out Diesel Price Cut, Toll Removal**
While the government did not concede to the demand for reducing diesel prices or removing toll plazas on state highways, it assured truckers that other concerns would be addressed.
“We have given them assurances to resolve their grievances, and they have agreed to end the strike,” Reddy stated.
The strike’s withdrawal is expected to restore normalcy in goods and passenger transport operations across Karnataka. Authorities have urged transporters to resume services promptly to minimize further disruptions.
