The long-standing dispute of Bandhbahal Samalei Truck Owners’ Association (BSTOA), Bandhbahal and the Belpahar Truck Owners’ Association continues with no sight of any solution of the demand of 500 truck owners of Belpahar for merger with the STOA.
The Belpahar association resorted to cease-work and protested outside the office of the STOA over the issue. later, the Banharpali police visited the spot, where it was decided to hold a meeting of the STOA comprising 92 truck owners on May 30 and decision to be reached at would be communicated to the district administration.
Notably, before 2011, the STOA had Pramod Panda as president. Conflict arose after inclusion of 26 truck owners. During the fiscal 2010-11, a seven member temporary committee was entrusted to manage the STOA. later in 2011, a new association under the name of Bandhbahal Samalei Truck Owners Association was registered with 92 members of 33 gram panchayats excluding few truck owners of Belpahar.
later, it was resolved that Belpahar truck owners would join the BSTOA. Despite submitting all relevant documents, belpahar truck owners were not taken as members.
Meanwhile, the Belpahar truck owners have declared to stop coal transportation in the district and form a parallel association if no membership is given to them by conducting election by June 7.