Shimla, Feb 10 (FN Bureau) Stand off continued for the last 55 days between Darlaghat and Bharmana cement Truckkers union and Adani Cement plants management as negotiations again remained fail to resolve dispute on freight charges arising out of the closure of cement factories in ACC Barmana of Bilaspur and Ambujaja Darlaghat of Solan district by the Adani Group. On the other hand, operators have announced agitation in Bilaspur. In this regard, a meeting of operators has been convened in Barmana again from tomorrow.According to the operators, a proposal was made by the Adani management to pay freight at the rate of 9.25 paise per kilometer per ton, which the operators have rejected. The operators are now adamant on taking the increased freight rate of a little more than Rs 13 per kilometer per tonne. During this Adani management proposed to understand the formula for fixing the freight from the operators. After the talks failed, two representatives were sent by the operators to the Adani management to explain the freight formula fixed in 2010.
Ram Kishan Sharma, former president of Baghal Land Losers Union, working in Dadla, said that it seems that the Adani group has not understood the formula under which the freight rate was decided by the Ambuja management. He wants to pay freight in Himachal on the lines of Punjab, Rajasthan and other plain states. They have a misconception that the trucks of Himachal, which are more in the plain states, charge the freight that is here and the same there. He said that in Punjab, Rajasthan and other places, the operators of Hamachal also charge more or less the same freight as the operators there.The operators of Darlaghat have stopped all activities till February 19. Only the core committee meeting will be held daily. As for the rest, the mahapanchayat has been called on 20th February. On the other hand, operators have announced agitation in Barmana of Bilaspur. Barmana Truck Operators Union President Rakesh Thakur said that the meeting has been called again tomorrow. A decision would be taken whether to take out rallies for this or to start gradual operation.