LANDI KOTAL: Transporters clash over suspension of oil supply
By Our Correspondent
LANDI KOTAL (Khyber Agency), June 23: Supporters of two opposing transporters’ groups clashed here and in Jamrud and tried to forcibly seize each other’s vehicles after developing differences over the suspension of oil supply to Afghanistan.
The All-Khyber Transporters Union had earlier suspended oil supply to Afghanistan after developing differences with three oil companies over insurance, fare and compensation for bomb attacks.
The supply was suspended a week ago and supporters of the All-Khyber Transporters Union forcibly stopped all oil tankers from going to Afghanistan.
Another transport union in Jamrud, the Al Haaj Group, opposed the suspension of oil supply and accused their opponents of extorting money from tanker drivers.
The group insisted that they had no dispute with oil companies and would continue to supply oil to Afghanistan. On Friday the supporters of the Al Haaj Group blocked the Peshawar-Torkhum road in Jamrud by stopping vehicles of their rival group.
The All-Khyber Union retaliated by blocking the road in the Zakhakhel area and forcibly stopping oil tankers of their rivals. The road was later opened for traffic after the local administration intervened, but the dispute remained unresolved.
