MoU signed, drivers call off strike
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 21 2016:
Oil tanker drivers have called off their cease work strike after they signed an MoU with the State Government today.
On the other hand, IOC Limited has extended monetary assistance of Rs 3 lakh to Usham Gojen who has been undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity after he was injured when blockade supporters attacked a convoy of trucks and tankers in Senapati on August 17.The amount was handed over Gojen's elder brother Usham Kennedy.
Speaking to media persons near Chingmeirong oil depot today, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union president Y Bhupenchandra Gosh said that they struck an agreement with the State Government and signed an MoU with CAF&PD Minister Ksh Biren this afternoon.
As detailed in the MoU, the State Government agreed to pay all the medical bills incurred by injured tanker driver Usham Gojen of Khurkhul Sebok Leikai who is currently undergoing treatment at Raj Medicity.
It was also agreed that the State Government would provide an alternative means of livelihood to Usham Gojen in case he cannot return to his profession of being an oil tanker driver.
Arrangement of security escorts through effective coordination between Home Department and Police Department for oil tanker convoys and payment of compensation to all oil tankers which were damaged in the August 17 attack were some other points listed in the MoU.
Notably, suspected supporters of the economic blockade called by the All Manipur Written Test Successful Candidates of Manipur Police Constable (Male) 2013 set ablaze a mini truck at Jiribam while around 30 tankers and trucks were vandalised in Senapati.
Two drivers sustained injuries.
Meanwhile, soon after the MoU was signed, oil tanker drivers returned to their normal duties and fuel was delivered to retail outlets from the depot.
IOC's Imphal Chief Divisional Retail Sales Manager cum State Level Coordinator Sinam Ibungoton said that 442 Kls of petrol and 550 Kls of diesel were released to 23 oil pumps today.