Kathmandu, August 14:

The Struggle Committee against Truck Syndicate said today that the syndicate system had not been abolished despite Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and Home Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula directives.

It said the two leaders had issued the directives a week ago.

The committee was formed by mid and far western chambers of commerce and industry to put an end to the system.

Demanding an end to the system, representatives of over 25 chambers of commerce and industry have been staging a sit-in at Maitighar Mandala for six days.

Issuing a press statement, joint convener of the struggle committee Damodar Acharya stated that some 220 people, including members of the parliament, members of consumer forums, political parties, industrial and professional foundations, civil society and journalists have expressed solidarity with their agitation.

“Despite this, lorries of the Bheri Zone Truck Entrepreneurs’ Association continue to operate under the syndicate system,” he said.

Acharya accused truck workers of continuing to issue threats to businessmen.

The struggle committee has criticised the local administration of doing nothing even when drivers and helpers of lorries were issuing threats to traders.