Alleging extortion passenger carriers cease service
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 03 2013 :
Following unbearable monetary demands allegedly served by armed outfits as well as to protest unauthorised tax collection by Government personnel in between Imphal and Dimapur, passenger carriers operating on the Imphal-Guwahati route have ceased service indefinitely with immediate effect.
Speaking to newspersons at its North AOC office today, North East Inter State Winger Transporters' Union president M Tombi Singh said decision to stop plying on the route was taken last night as armed groups as well as personnel deployed at police, forest, excise and narcotics check posts have been demanding money from the public transporters.
Urging armed groups to withdraw their monetary demands, he also proposed that Government of Manipur advise personnel manning various check posts to ensure unhindered movement of the passenger service providers.
Informing that almost all the owners of Tata Wingers, plying under the Union, had purchased the vehicles with bank loans, Tombi conceded that it would be impossible to oblige demands of armed groups and illegal tax/entry/toll fee collections at various check posts in between Imphal and Dimapur.
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Moreover, out of Rs 600 levied on a single passenger only half the amount is provided to the owners by those working at the ticket counters, he confided.
Further disclosing that atleast 13 armed groups have been demanding huge amount from the transporters prompting some transport operators to already pull out of the Union, he also revealed about threats from the armed groups in case their demands are not complied with.
urging the Government to deploy highway protection force at the earliest to check all illegal activities, Tombi also emphasised on the need for streamlining service of passenger carriers as well as construct a waiting shed at North AOC area.