Jamshedpur, June 28: The strike called by Left parties saw hundred of trucks stranded at various places between Ghatshila and Baharagora on National Highway 33.

The transporters too had joined the strike called to protest the recent hike in fuel prices. More than 500 long-distance trucks and tankers loaded with both perishable and durable commodities were forced to stop at various places between Ghatshila and Baharagora which is a stronghold of the communists.

However, vehicular movement was normal in the city area. Heavy vehicles carrying industrial goods were seen plying on the streets.

According to police sources in Ghatshila sub-division of the district, the chakkajam was successful in this part because of the strong presence of communist supporters coming out on the streets to protest.

?Most of the trucks stranded in the area were coming from different states and had already covered long distances. These trucks had no reason to stop as it would result into wastage of perishable commodities. But it was due to fear of the trucks being damaged mid-way, the drivers stopped the trucks,? said sources.

President of Jamshedpur Tansporters? Welfare Association, Shyam Sundar Singh, said the transporters took a unanimous decision to join the chakkajam and therefore it had a great impact.

This was clearly seen on the national highway where hundreds of trucks had queued up as vehicle movement was stopped. ?Every transporter supported the day-long chakkajam because they are the worst-hit by the hike in fuel prices. We are facing huge losses on every consignment. If we do not protest, no one will understand our plight,? he added.

Singh said loading and unloading from all major industries in the district was also affected due to the chakkajam.

?Not a single truck entered the industries today,? he said. However, president of Adityapur Small Industires Association, R.K. Sinha dismissed the claims made by the transporters. There was no effect of the chakkajam called by the left parties and transporters.

?We faced no problem due to the chakkajam. We had already transported bulk material a day in advance and saved the industry from any loss,? said Sinha.

Tata Steel officials too did not face any problem.

In case of an announced bandh there is no reason for any problem or loss. Both raw material and finished product are durable items which will not be damaged if there is a day?s delay in transportion, said officials of Tata Steel.