SWABI, March 12: Truck drivers blocked all the three roads leading to district Swabi for about six hours on Monday in protest against the failure of police officials to recover a 10-wheel truck.

The strike call was given by the Goods Transport Union (GTU) and all transporters supported the strike. The truck drivers warned that if their truck was not recovered soon they would stop Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to visit the district on March 18.

They also warned fellow transporters to stay off the road. The protesters had gathered at the Kernel Sher Chowk and erected blockades at various points. They blocked the Swabi-Topi, Swabi-Mardan and Swabi-Jehangira roads at various places and no vehicles were allowed to pass through.

However, the truck drivers did not say anything about the cause of the incident. But sources in the police department said that a rivalry had been going on between truck snatchers over drug money. And those who lifted the truck wanted to get their money.

The truck drivers said a truck (No 2055) was lifted by a party on March 1 and then its two drivers and cleaner were threatened of dire consequences. On the following day, the GTU seized two 10-wheelers and a trailer belonging to the transporters of Darra adamkhel.

They warned that until their truck was handed over to them all the three vehicles would remain in their possession.

However, according to the truckers, the district police officer had asked them to reach Darra adamkhel where their vehicles would be handed over but when they reached the place they were disappointed and had to return empty handed.

Later, they met the DIG, Mardan, and apprised him of the situation.

The DIG sent them back to the DPO, Swabi, who told them again that they should go back to Darra adamkel for getting their truck. But again they had to face disappointment. They met the DPO once again so as to get their trucks by peaceful means but in vain.

The GTU leaders said when all their efforts bore no fruit they blocked the roads in protest.

The MNAs and MPAs of the district have been involved by the police to resolve the issue. Parliamentarians, GTU leaders and the DPO held talks which ended in the constitution of a Jirga which left for Darra adamkel on Monday afternoon.

The Jirga comprises of the general secretary of GTU, Noor Mohammad, Ghuncha Gul, Niaz Ali Shah and Fayaz Ali. They would hold talks with the people concerned.

The DPO assured them that he had already talked with the district coordination officer and other police officials concerned for having their truck released immediately.