Taxi drivers take traffic rule for a ride in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, February 29 2012:
For the small hilly town of Ukhrul, which can be given the sobriquet of "taxi town" of Manipur, increasing number of vehicles on taxi service has become a matter of serious concern with high prevalence of rash driving and frequent occurrence of road accidents.
On Wednesday morning, an aged man who was walking on the roadside was knocked down by a speeding DI truck (MN04A 4401) that also rammed onto the rear of a stationary 407 vehicle (MN01 6834) seconds later at about 11.30am in front of the Fire Brigade station here.
The victim was identified as one Khashim (65), a retired school headmaster, from Maku village under Kamjong Chassad police station, Ukhrul.
He sustained a serious head injury and was rushed to the District Hospital in a critical condition.
Today's incident has heightened the fear among the commuters in Ukhrul town.
Incidentally, two young girls were also knocked down into a drain after a Bolero jeep (taxi-MN04A 3704) hit them from the rear, opposite the mini-secretariat at about 1.30pm yesterday.
The girls were rushed to the District Hospital and later referred to Shija Hospital considering the seriousness of their condition.
The victims were identified as CS.
Horriya (Hungpum village) and Hom-Siingli M (Tushar village), both students of Sacred Heart Higher Secondary School.
The incident happened when the girls and their friend were returning home after taking the Class XII examinations.
Public has expressed deep concern over the prevailing road traffic in the town.
As per the unofficial estimate (as there is no transport authorities regulating the commercial vehicles in the district), more than 300 taxis comprising Bolero, Sumo, Scorpio, etc are plying daily while leading to a heavy rush on Ukhrul road.
In the past, public were contended that commuting has become easier with the introduction of town taxis and its service has also given an earning opportunity for unemployed youths.
But now, that has turned into a worrying concern.
"Life has become easier to live in this taxi town.
But it has also increase road accidents.
This need to be looked at seriously," said TKS activist AS.
Wungsem.
Most of the taxis are operated by inexperienced youngsters with little knowledge of or scant regards to traffic rule.
In most cases, the taxis are seen running above the speed limit and there are no regulated stopping points in the town.
"Traffic rule should be reined in effectively and the district administration must come up with strong measures against errant drivers," said TMNL speaker Nganingkhui.
Comment
