Stranded trucks on Imp-Dpr highway escorted back
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 05 2016: On account of the economic blockades imposed on National Highways, around 300 loaded trucks remained stranded at Khuzuma, Mao and Tadubi along Imphal-Dimapur high-way.

However the trucks were escorted back to Imphal late in the night today.

Many of these stranded drivers and their assistants were heading for Imphal to celebrate Ningol Chakkouba festival but they missed the festival as they were stranded on the highway.

Economic blockade imposed by ANSAM, ATSUM and KSO in connection with the reservation row in Manipur University has been lifted after they held a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi this afternoon.

Stranded trucks on Imp-Dpr highway escorted back

On learning about this development, the stranded transporters breathed a sigh of relief.

However the economic blockade called by the UNC is still in force.

Vehicle keys collected by blockade supporters from the stranded transporters last night were returned today after the student bodies lifted their economic blockade.

Thinking that they could proceed to Imphal even though the UNC's blockade is still in force, the transporters waited for arrival for security escorts.

Meanwhile, it is reported that many of the stranded transporters have fallen ill as they have been denied proper meals and resting place for the past many days.

A joint team of Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association and Kohima District Land Transport Drivers Union visited the stranded transporters today.

Taking serious note of the adverse conditions being faced by the stranded transporters, Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association general secretary M Tomba appealed to all concerned to relax the economic blockade for one day or at least for some hours.

Notably, a team of security forces went to Mao to escort back the stranded vehicles but the stranded transporters refused to go with them saying that the strength of security escorts was not adequate enough.

Late reports informed that security personnel escorted the stranded vehicles towards Imphal late this evening.