HITOWO sets record straight
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2019:
Highway Truck Owners Welfare Organisation (HITOWO) has claimed that the organisation has never done anything against the interest of the truck drivers off the State till date.
Speaking to media persons at Kwakeithel today evening, HITOWO information and publicity secretary Brojendro Konthoujam said that the organisation constructed a weight bridge at Gularthol, Jiribam, along NH 37 in the interest of the truckers and another similar weight bridge is under construction at Awang Sekmai Koujeng Leima.
He then asked why the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Ui.ion is stifled by HITOWO's works, pointing towards some allegations made by the union against HITOWO through media.
He then asked if the detention of truckers who passed the completed weight bridge, at Leingangpokpi on January 16, is not inconveniencing the truckers.
Brojendro then alleged that the said union has been keeping its people stationed at the National Highways and collecting Rs 5-100 from the passing trucks and questioned how this will be beneficial for the drivers.
Pointing out that the union claimed that HITOWO's weight bridge were constructed without any authorization, Brojendro said that the members of the union is reportedly working with one Gautam of Weight and Measures Department at Jiribam and together they are providing slips to the trucks showing that the vehicles have been weight checked.
He claimed that Rs 50-100 is taken for every slip and pointed out that questions can be raised as to whether the collected amount is transferred to the Department's account.
He then demanded the said union to improve its foundation first before pointing fingers at others and further asked what authority the said union have in demanding the weight bridge to be uninstalled.