Steering-off stir on Imphal-Jiri line
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 04 2015 :
Barely a day after a cement laden truck (not two as reported in this paper) was set ablaze by unknown persons at Laingangpokpi, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union (AMRTDMWU) and Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (MTOWA) have launched a steering-off stir on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) from today.
Speaking to reporters at their MG Avenue office, AMRTDMWU general secretary Maimom Anil said that the stir would continue until adequate security is provided to the transporters.
He said that various crimes are happening on the highway as security personnel deployed on the road known to be the lifeline of the State are too sparse.
On December 3 at around 6.30 pm, a cement laden truck (MN-03T0196) parked at Laingangpokpi near Jiribam was burnt down by unknown persons, he said.
Alleging that the incident happened as the State Home Department did not pay necessary attention in providing security to the transporters, Anil demanded that the owner of the ill-fated truck be adequately compensated at the earliest.
Saying that there have been many cases of looting and snatching of valuables on the highway,Anil said that Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who holds the Home portfolio, has not taken up any step to enhance security although the union has been pressing him on the matter since the past many years.
As such, the transporters have been left with no option but to launch a steering off stir on the highway until adequate security is provided, he said.
Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association president H Ranjit demanded the Government to set up a highway protection force at the earliest.