Fitting tributes paid on Drivers' Day
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14 2015:
Paying obeisance and offering floral tributes to the framed photos of drivers who had lost their lives in attacks, accidents, various illnesses and honouring and felicitating retired drivers marked the 26th Drivers' Day celebration today at different places of the State.
Drivers' Day was held today at THAU ground under the aegis of All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union (AMRTD&MWU) while the Day was also observed at ISBT Complex, Khuman Lampak under the aegis of All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union (AMPTDU) .
Speaking at the observance programme at THAU ground, general secretary of AMRTD&MWU, H Kullamani Singh said that drivers and handymen have risked their lives while doing their job in transporting commodities to the State through unfriendly highways of the State.
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Many drivers and handymen were killed by armed miscreants while some lost their lives in accidents and some were victims of various illnesses.
Besides, they have performed their duties amidst dreadful consequences, he said while seeking the support and cooperation of all concerned in the days to come.
According to the union, 207 members lost their lives during the period 1978 to 2014 .
Addressing the gathering, L Sotinkumar, secretary, All India Trade Union Congress, Manipur hailed the role of drivers and helpers who have played a major role in serving the public.
He said they deserve honour and respect from all.
He said that the aspirations of the drivers and helpers including payment of wages should be realised.
Showing respect and honour to the departed drivers and helpers, Ng Tejkumar Singh, Director of Prosecution said that causing disturbance and harassment to drivers and helpers�who are transporting daily needs of the people�is self-inflicted punishment.
Asserting that the development of a State is measured by the standard of its roads and highways, Tejkumar said the Govt should expedite repairing Imphal-Jiribam highway.
The programme was also attended by S Manglem Singh, president of AMRTD&MWU, O Henry Singh, social activist, Mutum Mani Singh, DTO (Imphal West), Senjam Manindra Singh, president, Sagolband United Club, NH-37, Y Ibeni, adviser of All Manipur Nupi Marup and Y Indrani of CPI Manipur.
The Drivers' Day observance programme at ISBT complex was attended by Hareshwar Das, secretary of All India Road Transport Workers' Federation and Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh, president of AMPTDU as the chief guest and president respectively.
SI Singh, Senior Depot Manager, IOC Imphal; Pabon Barua, president of Golaghat District Drivers' Union, Assam; K Inaoba Meetei, president of NH-53 Truck Owners' Association and Sarat Salam, secretary, CPI-M were the guests of honour.
Fitting tributes were paid to 62 drivers and five handymen, who were members of the Union, who lost their lives.
Besides, 13 retired tanker drivers were honoured during the programme.