Fresh attacks on truckers in Kashmir, strike from tomorrow

Jammu, Sep 11 (PTI) Two drivers were injured and 17tankers damaged in alleged stone-pelting attacks by protestersin Kashmir Valley today, prompting the truckers to announce astrike from tomorrow. "Two drivers have been injured and 17 tankers damaged infresh attacks by mobs and in stone-pelting in Kashmir Valleytoday,"  All Jammu and Kashmir Oil Tankers Association (JKOTA)president Anan Sharma told PTI here. Meanwhile, All J&K Goods Carrier Association hasannounced that truckers operating in Kashmir, Ladakh and otherparts of the state have decided to observe a "complete strike"from tomorrow in protest against the increasing attacks ontrucks and the drivers in the Valley. An emergency meeting of the association under thechairmanship of Harbans Singh was held here yesterday and themembers resolved to observe strike from tomorrow. Sharma said the situation is not conducive for them tooperate as it has become a routine that tankers and trucks areattacked in Kashmir on a daily basis. The tankers and trucks, which had come from Jammu todeliver supplies, were attacked at various places in Humamachowk, Bijbihara and other city areas, he said. "We will hold a meeting tomorrow after all tankers areback from Kashmir and decide the next course of action,"Sharma said. Members of All J&K Goods Carrier Association alleged thateven after assurance from the Divisional Commissioners ofJammu and Kashmir, adequate security was not provided to them.Many trucks have been damaged and drivers beaten up recentlyand attacks are on rise in Kashmir, they said. Over 70 trucks and tankers have suffered damages andseveral drivers have been injured in the mob attacks inKashmir, they alleged. Last month, oil tankers’ association had gone a strike inthe Valley which severely hit supply of essential commodities.PTI AB MNG SKMNG