Driver battles for life sans Govt aid
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 16 2014:
Although the State Government took swift action and arrested eight suspects in the assassination case of former ADC Ukhrul Vice-Chairman Ngalangzar Malue, driver of the private van, who was injured in the incident, is battling for life in the hospital without any Government help.
Peeved with Government's attitude, the All Manipur Light Vehicle Owner's and Driver's Union has threatened to blockade Imphal-Ukhrul road if the Government fails to provide compensation to the injured driver within a week.
It may be mentioned that driver Khangenbam Bigyanik (41) s/o Late Chaoba of Khurai Thongam Leikai was hit by a bullet on the right abdomen in the deadly attack launched on the ADC Vice-Chairman.
Bigyanik's van was hired by the ADC Vice-Chairman to take him to his native village Nongman in Ukhrul district that fateful day.
The union today staged a sit-in-protest at North AOC protesting Government's indifferent attitude shown to the injured driver.
Union secretary Yumnam Subhachandra said that after Bigyanik was injured in the incident, he was rushed to Raj Medicity.
He is presently battling for life in the ICU of the private hospital, he added.
Although, the union had submitted memoranda to Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and DGP in this regard, there has been responded so far, he added.
If the Government fails to compensate the driver within a week, the union would indefinitely blockade Imphal- Ukhrul road, he said and added that the union has also decided to suspend their service till their demand is fulfilled.
Taking part in the sit-in-protest, All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers Union general secretary H Kulamani said that Bigya-nik's medical expenses till date has reached Rs 1,10,000 .
Saying that Bigyanik is a daily bread-earner, Kulamani said that the Government must compensate him sensing the financial needs being faced by his family.
He also cautioned that intense agitations including suspension of transport service would be initiated in asso- ciation with other organisations if the Government fails to respond within a week.