Light passenger vehicles : A blessing or a curse
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: June 30 2012 -

Miranda TK Maring from the desk

Introduction of mini passenger vehicles like Auto, Tata magic and wingers, etc has contributed a lot to the daily lives of people in the state.

People no longer waste their time waiting for the bus, no more hanging inside the crowded bus because after every alternate minute either an auto or a winger passes by and we can easily get ourselves a place to sit and enjoy the ride till we reach our destination. Its way cheaper, comfortable and faster, in fact, one can proudly acclaim it as the arrival of time saving machine.

But these light vehicles have created infinite numbers of hazards to human lives. It has taken away the lives of many people. So many passengers have complained that because of its speed, carelessness of the driver, competing amongst themselves to get hold of the passengers, these vehicles are prone to accidents.

The drivers or the owners of the vehicles have this inhuman perception that human lives are nothing; all they desire is to see their vehicles packed with passengers and earn more money.

These vehicles have also made child labour popular which is illegal in our country. A small kid, who should be supposed in schools to study or remain at home enjoying their parental love and care, is set out on the dusty road in search of passengers.

Whether it's a rainy day or a hot summer day, the small kids in shabby clothes keep their eyes and ears alert to grab the passengers and in return they get paid with a beggar's remuneration. This is a painful thing and the Government should take up immediate measures to abolish this cruel act.

Every citizen has a concept that if any road accident occurred, then it would be either with a Tata magic or a Winger, this shows their heights.

The number of casualties admitted because of road accidents at various hospitals such as RIMS; JNIMS; Raj Polyclinic and Shija has increased to a massive scale of late.

The value of human lives seems to decrease and added to increase the death rate. Even the ratio of our population and the passenger vehicles is comparatively different.

Also noticing the profit they earn in a day, everyone wants to own a passenger vehicle. Therefore, the numbers of vehicles are increasing day after day and so thus the competition amongst them. The auto parking situated behind Polo Ground in the heart of Imphal city is more like goods carrier train, not a single space is left to step our tiny foots.

Police on the other hand, charges 10 rupees from every passenger vehicle once it moves and often they are imposed with fine of Rs 50 to 100 for several reasons.

So in order to make up the money which has been taken away by the police, the mini light vehicles are after the passengers.

One cannot blame the police as well because when they do not get their salaries regularly, they look for means to carry on with their lives.

So it is a chain reaction between the Government, police, passenger vehicle drivers and the local people. Finally, it can be concluded that everything is in the hands of the Government, whether to improve the situation or stay the same.