Quicktakes

Transporters go on strike

MUMBAI: Transport unions have decided to go ahead with their plans for an indefinite state-wide strike from the midnight of Sunday, August 1 following breakdown of talks with Chief Minister Narayan Rane today. According to union members, they were called for a meeting with Rane, Transport Minister and senior MSRDC officials at the Sahyadri state guest house this afternoon. 8220;However, since the CM remained adamant about continuing with the toll, we have decided to go ahead with the strike,8221; said Daljit Singh Bal, president of the Maharashtra Lorry and Tanker Owners Association.

Assam blasts

GUWAHATI: Militants today struck twice in lower Assam by blasting rail tracks resulting in the derailment of a goods train and injury to its driver, and ambushing a CRPF convoy. Traffic on the broadguage section on which the mishap occurred was immediately suspended and sources said the tracks were likely to be cleared by Tuesday.