No commercial service on Drivers' Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 11 2023:
Operation of all commercial vehicles will cease on Drivers' Day on January 14 as the Joint Coordinating Committee of Drivers would be organising the 34th edition of the observance in honour of deceased drivers.
Addressing a press meet at the office of Drivers' Union at MG Avenue, here, on Wednesday, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union general secretary Anil said that the day is observed in remembrance of the seven days' protest launched by drivers at the old airfield, Koirengei in 1990 .
This year's observance to be organised by the joint coordinating committee at ISBT, Khuman Lampak, Imphal will be the biggest commemorative event and floral tributes will be paid to a total of 334 drivers, who lost their lives in different incidents, he said while urging families of the deceased drivers as well as the public to participate in the observance in honour of the drivers, who are making a significant contribution in the society.
Drivers are the backbone of the society as they are transporting daily essentials braving all odds.
However, they are still subjected to discrimination and atrocities, lamented the secretary.
Anil also mentioned the recent incidents of killing of a passenger van driver, killing of two drivers and two handymen in Assam & Piphima landslide spot, assault of a driver and a handyman over illegal extortion by highway gang, and missing of father-son drivers of Yairipok.
Besides, there are other incidents of killing and assaulting drivers and handymen by bandh supporters and highway gangs throughout the year, he said and added that despite such threats and dangers pose by bad road conditions, the drivers are carrying out their duties for the sake of the society.
He then appealed to all concerned to stop treating drivers and handymen as enemies.
The secretary also appealed to all commercial vehicle owners and drivers to refrain from carrying out any commercial service on the day as a mark of honouring the deceased drivers and respecting the profession.