THE GOAN NETWORK
PERNEM
The eight-day protest by the Pernem Truck Owners Association (PTOA) was called off on Wednesday, after Deputy Chief Minister Babu Ajgaonkar intervened and the transport contractor for Mopa airport reportedly agreed to increase transportation rates for local truck operators.
About 150 truckers affiliated to the PTOA had been protesting at the Satarda-Naibag Junction since the last eight days to demand higher transportation rates for government projects like the Mopa airport.
They had also threatened to stop trucks from other States carrying sand, gravel and other materials, if their demands were not met.
On Wednesday, Ajgaonkar convened a joint meeting to discuss the issue with Mopa airport company officials, the transport contractor and a delegation from the PTOA. BJP Pernem Block President Tulsidas Gawas and others were also present at the meeting.
Later speaking to reporters, Ajgaonkar said the truck owners had been protesting since the last eight days.
“Some people tried to play politics but they did nothing to resolve the issue of the protesting local truck operators. I convened a joint meeting with company officials, transport contractor and truck owners to resolve their issue, following which the local truck operators have called off their protest,” said Ajgaonkar.
PTOA President Milind Shetye told reporters that the local truck operators had called off their agitation after the transport contractor had agreed to the demands of truck operators in the meeting.
Pernem BJP Block President Tulsidas Gawas said the Mopa project in Pernem taluka is in the interest of the people and added that the BJP State government is committed to providing employment to locals.
