TEAM HERALD
BELGAUM: The private bus operators from Maharashtra have decided to keep the strike in protest against the entry tax on hold till Tuesday.
The decision was taken late Sunday evening as according to sources Goan authorities who have contacted private bus operators and are expected to hold a meeting in Goa in this regard on Monday.
“We will take stock of the developments on Monday and in case the Goa government is adamant on continuing its divisive policy, agitation against entry tax will be intensified from Tuesday,” stated Maharashtra Bus, Tempo and Lorry Owners Association President Prakash Gavali.
Meanwhile, sporadic incidents of stone pelting and damaging of vehicles were reported in Belgaum district early Sunday morning – a sign that the strike against entry tax declared by AIMTC was intensifying.
Deliberations and discussions continued in Maharashtra and Karnataka on Sunday as the agitated AIMTC members have now planned to intensify the stir against the defiant Manohar Parrikar-led BJP government in Goa.
According to reports, stones were pelted at a Goa-bound truck while tyres of another truck were punctured allegedly by the agitating volunteers from various transport organizations.
According to reliable sources, the incident took place near Ramnagar at about 2 am when the vehicles were damaged after some activists blocked the vehicles.
Moreover, the situation in Karnataka is also volatile due to adamant and negligent attitude of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar. “The newly formed Congress-led government has assured its support against the illegal entry tax by Goa,” AIMTC executive body member Ramappa Malenadu told Herald.
“However, we are waiting for the allotment of ministries in Karnataka. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramiah has assured us that he would take up the matter with the Goa government soon after the new transport minister assumes charge by Tuesday,” added Malenadu.
Meanwhile, except for a few vehicles carrying vegetables and milk to Goa, number of trucks and tempos carrying goods and commodities to Goa has dwindled.
As the mark of support to the agitation and partly due to fear, transporters in Belgaum, Dharwad and Kolhapur have preferred to keep their vehicles off Goa road or have diverted them to other destinations.
