Drivers for maximum security
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 07 2011:
Claiming involvement of heavily armed unidentified persons in the burning of loaded trucks in between Keimai and Sembilon and Barak on National Highway 37 recently, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers & Motor Workers' Union has demanded that Government of Manipur provide maximum security cover to the transport operators.
speaking to newspersons at the Union's MG Avenue office today, its publicity secretary M Anil contended that security lapses emboldened the armed miscreants to carry out such audacious acts of arson.
Contemplating that bandh or blockade supporters might not have indulged in torching the vehicles for victim drivers have reportedly spotted some armed persons setting fire to the loaded trucks, he asserted that in case the Government of Manipur fails to provide adequate security the Union along with leaders of Transporters and Drivers' Council will decide on future course of action, if needed.
While appealing to police/MR personnel engaged in escorting the vehicle convoy to remain vigilant even when the goods carriers are stationary due to certain compulsion, Anil also urged the drivers not to carry inflammable items inside their vehicle which are not authorised for transportation of such controlled items.
Reminding to all concerned that the drivers have been toiling day and night in order to ensure availability of essential commodities to all the people, he made a fervent appeal to volunteers of the agitating bodies not to target the transporters or their vehicles.
Reacting to some cases of trucks being reportedly burnt while travelling with convoys of central security forces, Anil opined that such undesired acts could have been prevented had the security force personnel responded to the situation in a positive manner.
With regard to claim by BRO authorities that road development work along NH-53 is being taken up on a war footing with deployment of nearly 2000 personnel, he dismissed such a contention as misleading for a recent inspection carried out by the union witnessed hardly 150 men of the BRTF engaged in such activities all along the route.
The publicity secretary also called upon authorities of CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles units stationed at various places on this route to contribute their mite in ensuring safe passage of the goods carriers.
Intensifying foot-patrolling and road opening parties by these security forces will make a significant difference in the transportation of goods as such acts would certainly discourage miscreants to launch attacks, Anil opined.
He also informed that some drivers and their assistants currently stranded near Kangpokpi are being provided food by volunteers of some NGOs with medical teams taking care of those who have fallen ill.
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