MDA extends assistance to stranded truckers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 06 2023:
Truckers stranded at Keithelmanbi due to ANSAM's blockade have been provided food and water by Manipur Drivers'' Association (MDA) .
Rice, water, edible oil and other items for daily usage were given to the drivers and handymen stranded at Keithelmanbi by members of the MDA led by its president Saikhom Babudhon, advisor Ganga Singh and secretary Sanjoy Ksh today.
ANSAM had called the indefinite economic blockade on the National Highway against Government prolonged ban on mobile internet service since May 3 .
The blockade started on November 3 and has stranded hundreds of trucks on the National Highways.
On the other hand, the mobile internet ban in Manipur has been extended till November 8 .
The drivers are mostly from outside the State and are non-Meiteis.
They have been left stranded at Keithelmanbi and other places for more than seven days.
They are unable to return home and many of them have fallen ill, said MDA secretary Sanjoy.
They drivers want to go home.
They want to celebrate festivals like Diwali and Chhat Puja with their families, he said.
He appealed to the Government to allow the empty trucks to leave Manipur.
He urged truckers coming from Jiribam to Imphal to use MDA complex at Samupunbi (Golarthon) in case of medical emergency and if they ever face parking problem at Jiribam.
Appreciating the MDA for their assistance, the drivers urged the organisations concerned and the Government to allow empty trucks to return.
The drivers have been left stranded at Keithelmanbi for nearly 7 days.
They are facing immense difficulties.
Many have fallen ill, they said.
"These are times of festivities.
We want to go home and celebrate Diwali and Chhat Puja with our families," said a driver, appealing all concerned to lift the blockade.