Dhangadhi, July 31:

Industrialists today padlocked 60 industries today, alleging Seti-Mahakali Truck Entrepreneurs’ Association of stopping operation of trucks. They handed over keys of the Kailai district-based to the Kailali Chambers of Commerce and Industry.

The industrialists said the move is against an agreement reached between truckers and industrialists in the presence of representatives of nine political parties. The industrialists said the lockout would not be lifted till the syndicate system was abolished and KCCI itself returned the keys.

“What is the use of running industries if our products cannot reach the market?” questioned Raj Kumar Agrawal, owner of RP Modern Rice Mill.

Rajpur-based Godavari Floor Mill was also padlocked and the key handed over to the KCCI office. GFM owner Om Prakash Agrawal said disruption in transport service even after the agreement is a serious thing. Owners have voluntarily padlocked five dozen industries and handed over the keys to the KCCI, said KCCI general secretary Dinesh Bhandari.

The closure of the industries is sure to hit hard the people of the far-west.