Drivers rue unauthorised money collection on Imp-Moreh road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 30 2017: At a time when people are reeling under intense sufferings on account of the ongoing indefinite economic blockade imposed by United Naga Council (UNC), police personnel and VDF have been collecting money illegally from van, Tata Sumo and DI trucks plying along Imphal-Moreh road, thereby causing immense hardship to drivers.

This was claimed by Moreh Drivers' Union during a press meet held at Manipur Press Club this evening.

K Nabakishore, member of the union while addressing the media persons said that goods-laden van, Tata Sumo and DI trucks heading towards Imphal from Moreh are made to stop by police personnel including VDF at numerous points along Pallel-Imphal road just to demand money.

He urged the officials concerned of the Police Department to intervene and ensure that drivers plying along the road are not harassed by police personnel.

Custom and Excise check posts at Moreh, Tengnoupal and Pallel are authorised ones.

Unlike in the past, the check posts are charging much higher tax now, he said.

Questioning the unauthorised collection of money from drivers mainly by police personnel and VDF posted along Pallel-Imphal road, Nabakishore said that drivers plying along the Imphal-Moreh road have been ferrying fuel from Moreh in view of the acute scarcity of fuel faced by the people following the economic blockade.

If ferrying petrol from Moreh is illegal then why are vehicles loaded with fuel not detained at Moreh, Tengnoupal and Pallel Gate, he asked, contending that drivers after passing Pallel Gate also had to give money to police personnel.

Even individuals who brought 20 litres of petrol for private use were also asked by police personnel to pay Rs 500, threatening that they will not be allowed to proceed further if the amount is not paid, he claimed.

Taking serious note of the unauthorised collection of money by police personnel posted along the road, Nabakishore said that onus is on the Police Department to look after the act of their fellow men.

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