Tanker drivers demand Compensation
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 16, 2012:
Taking strong exception to the injuries caused to 10 truck dri vers and helpers, and damages done to around 81 oil tankers during attacks by bandh supporters between Mao and Senapati yesterday, the aggrieved trans porters have demanded compensation for the damaged tankers and medical expenses fortheir injured colleagues.
Speaking to TSE at ISBT, Khuman Lampak today, the transporters said that there were multiple security lapses when security forces escorted goods laden trucks, oil tankers and LPG bullets amidst the48 hours total bandh called by the JAC Against Diversion of MGNREGS Fund.
On the other hand, there, is no need to worry about any possible shortage of diesel and petrol in the State.
As the Chingmeirong oil depot is already full, more than 100 loaded tan kers are parking at ISBT awai ting their turn to unload.
Pointing out that the stock position of fuel oils is more than healthy at Chingmeirong depot, the transporters ques tioned the authority's urgency to send tankers to ship in fuel oils amidst the bandh with CRPF escorts.
Though CRPF escorts were provided, they were not ade quate to escort back the trucks and tankers which were stranded at Khuzama.
Bandh supporters could attack and damage more than 81 tankers because the strength of CRPF escort was not adequate.
As the transporters went to ship in fuel oils fully aware of the bandh, they would not have any excuse to claim insurance money for repairing their da maged trucks, the drivers lamented.
In the meantime, the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Association has submitted a memorandum to the General Manager of IOC's North East Integrated State Office, Guwahati demanding compensati on for the damaged tankers.
It also demanded the authority to bear medical expenses which would be incurred in treatment of the injured transporters.
The memorandum also mentioned that further actions would be taken if no response is forthcoming within 24 hours.