Apparently, the truckers have started avoiding NH-6 that passes through Lodhashuli and Mohanpur in Jhargram block in West Midnapore and at present they are taking the Bombay Road, which passes through Dantan in East Midnapore.

“We have started taking the alternative route which has increased the transportation cost. Earlier, we used to pass through Lodhashuli and Mohanpur, the den of Maoists, with the help of police convoy and we paid around Rs 20 to them for the escort,” said Shyamal Dasgupta, general secretary of the Truck Owners’ Association of Bengal.

“However, now the situation has changed. When we try to cross the area, we find around 100-150 armed tribals standing with the police. Moreover, the amount of money they have started charging has increased. Now, we have to pay at least Rs 200 for getting escorts. Moreover, the Maoists and the PCAPA activists set several loaded trucks on fire,” added Dasgupta.

However, P Ulganathan, SDO, Jhargram said: “It is true that around 20 loaded trucks have been set on fire. Initially, we were taken saaback by the incidents of setting fire on trucks. But, at present, we took the initiative. We have deployed two companies of joint forces in Lodhashuli and Mohanpur. We are prepared to combat the PCAPA activists.”