Imphal, September 03 2009: The agitating transporters and the Chief Minister O Ibobi have struck an agreement with regard to the killing of driver Basanta.

Ngaseppam Basanta (Ngongo) of Nambol Thangtek Mamang Leikai was a driver of a passenger bus plying along the ImphalChurachandpur road.

He was shot dead by some unidentified persons when they opened fire at the bus at Phougakchao Ikhai in the night of September 1 .

In addition to suspension of bus service along Tiddim Road since yesterday in denunciation of the cold blooded killing, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister yesterday.

The transporters had a meeting with the Chief Minister on the issue today.

Chief Minister O Ibobi assured the transporters that a police station would be opened at Phougakchao Ikhai and security escorts would be provided to public transporters from Phougakchao Ikhai till Churachandpur.

The Chief Minister also assured ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased.

Following the assurance, the transporters have agreed to claim the corpse of the deceased and also to suspend the chakka bandh.

A Memorandum of Understanding was also signed between the transporters and the Government on these points, said the transporters' union.

On the other hand, a protest demonstration was staged against the killing of Basanta at Nambol today.

Some people also came out rejecting the MoU.

Meanwhile, a press release issued by the Tidim Road Drivers' Union said that there would be no bus service along Tidim Road tomorrow for the drivers would be attending the last rites of Basanta.

Sharing the pain and grief being endured by the bereaved families of Basanta, the union also appealed to all concerned not to repeat such heinous crimes in future.