Imphal, July 06 2010: The all Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has said that it is the right of the drivers and vehicle owners to decide which highway to take.

Secretary, Publicity, AMUCO, NC Modhuchandra today stated in a press release that the drivers and owners are the ones who face hardships the most.

They know which highway will be the best and which will be the worst.

The press release stated that the Transporters' and Drivers' Council (TDC) has taken a decision not to use the National Highway 39 because of so many factors.

Various organisations collect unbearable and unreasonable taxes at Mao, Dimapur and other places.

If the taxes are not paid, the vehicles are burnt or pushed down the gorge or smashed, and goods are removed/unloaded from the vehicles.

If the drivers and handymen resist, they get beaten up and harassed.

Besides, there had been incidents of killings.

Unless and until all such acts are stopped, and compensation not paid for all the sufferings, the TDC has decided not to ply NH 39 and to ply NH 53 .

The transporters and drivers have tolerated the sufferings long enough, and now are unable to bear any longer.

Thus the TDC had taken the decision, AMUCO said.

AMUCO further pointed out that people do not have to demand for improvement of highway.

It has to be kept improved and maintained properly.

When the highways are good and maintained properly, there would be better communication, and people would traverse more frequently.

This will bring the people closer, the press release said.

For plying whichever highway, it is people's wish.

Who will accept diktat to go this way, not to go that way? Anyone would be inclined to take the better road.

When NH 53 is improved to the best level possible, won't there be any more obstruction? There would be.

Because unless and until the communal minded groups change their mindset, there will still be strife, the AMUCO stated.