Fitting tribute paid to drivers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14 2014 : Transpor-ters and Drivers Forum Ma- nipur and All Manipur Pe-troleum Tankers Drivers' Union jointly organised the 25th Drivers Day at ISBT Complex, Khuman Lampak today.

Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who was the chief guest of the function, led the gathering in offering floral tribute to the photograph of departed drivers and handymen.

In recognition to their ser-vice for the people, this year's Lifetime Achievement Awards were conferred on Laishram Babuchand of Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai and Konjengbam Mani of Laipham Khunou at the function.

While speaking at the func-tion, Gaikhangam expressed concern over the sense of fac-tionalism prevailing in the State.

Saying that Manipur is a tiny State, he urged different organisations to maintain unity.

Separation, enmity and factionalism would not bring any advancement, he added.

Acknowledging the contribution of drivers and handy- men, the Deputy Chief Minister also lauded their valuable contribution to the society.

Fitting tribute paid to drivers on the 25th Drivers Day

Saying that drivers and handymen ship in essential commodities braving many odds, Gaikhangam said that considering the situation of Manipur, drivers and handymen are so courageous.

He also paid homage to drivers and handymen who had sacrificed their lives in the ser- vice of the people of Manipur.

MLAs K Sarat and E Chand, IOC Imphal Senior Depot Manager SI Singh and IOC Imphal State Level Coordinator Kh Ibobi also atten- ded the function as guests of honour.

Meanwhile, befitting tributes were paid to 202 drivers, who lost their lives in the service of the people in between 1978 to 2013 as All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union observed the 25th Drivers' Day at Langjing Achouba truck parking today.

Former Minister and All India Trade Union Congress Vice President N Mangi, AMRTD&MWU president S Manglem, social worker O Henry, AITUC secretary L Sotinkumar attended the function as chief guest, president and guests of honour respectively.

Apart from conferring awards to drivers, who have excelled in their service, blankets and shawls were also distributed to the families of late drivers.

Earlier, floral tributes and condolences were also paid to late drivers.

N Mangi while speaking at the occasion highlighted the valuable contribution made by drivers to the society.

He said that drivers play important role in making available of essential commodities by shipping in these items to the State.

They must be given due recognition under State Labour Department, he observed.

In his speech, AMRTD&MWU General Secretary H Kulamani mentioned the hardships being faced by drivers on the highways due to bad road conditions and taxes imposed on them.

He said that it is high time to look into the welfare of the drivers by the Government.