Drivers demand apology for insulting remark
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24 2022:
The Manipur Drivers' Association and the All Manipur Road Transport Driver and Motor Workers Union have vehemently condemned a 'derogatory' statement made by Sapamcha Jadumani against drivers during a discussion on a TV channel recently.
Sapamcha Jadumani, during a discussion which was telecast on TV, had allegedly said that "drivers are people who were not properly brought up by their parents" .
Stating that a legal suit will be slapped against Sapamcha Jadumani if he doesn't clarify on what he said about the drivers within 5 days, Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA) general secretary Sanjay Kshetrimayum said the statement has demeaned the drivers and their noble profession.
Speaking to the media at MDA office at Kwakeithel, Sanjay said the bus accident on December 21 at Tubung Longsai Part-III which killed 9 people including 7 girl students was a very unfortunate incident.
MDA condoled the victims and is praying for speedy and healthy recovery of all those who were injured in the accident.
The association is also sharing the pain and grief of the bereaved families, he said.
However, the statement which Sapamcha Jadumani made during a discussion on a TV channel has shown the drivers in the wrong light and it has demeaned the drivers.
MDA doesn't and can not take Jadumani's statement lightly.
If he doesn't clarify within 5 days, MDA will file a legal case against him, he said.
People are well aware of the roles the drivers play in society.
In many issues of the State, the drivers have been always in the forefront serving the people.
They are responsible for bringing in commodities and goods necessary for the people.
No driver wants accident to occur, he said.
On the other hand, the All Manipur Road Transport Driver and Motor Workers Union said Sapamcha Jadumani should approach the union and apologize for his 'arrogant and ignorant statement' .
Speaking to media persons at the office of the union at MG Avenue today, its general secretary Maimom Anil said Jadumani should approach the union and apologize for making the statement, which has demeaned the drivers.
He said Jadumani made the statement on TV on December 21 .
Anil said, drivers are also human beings who are working tirelessly for the society and the State.
They are responsible for transport of people and ferrying of essential as well as other goods necessary for the people.
"Drivers are serving the people.
They too can read and write and have compassion for other human beings" .
Drivers are working to feed their families and send their children to schools.
In fact many of the children of drivers are working at different Government institutions.
Some are even doctors and engineers, Anil said.
Asserting that Jadumani doesn't belong to one organisation as he jumps ships frequently, Anil said he should personally approach the union and apologize for painting the drivers in the wrong light.
Further, the union has decided to boycott Jadumani from today and it has been decided that all drivers will not take part in anything that is related to him and his family, Anil said.