Drivers launch strike; decide to stay off the highways
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, December 04 2015 :
Following the incident in which a cement carrier truck was set ablaze on Thursday night at Leingangpokpi Mayai Leikai along the Imphal-Jiri road, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union on Friday resolved to stay off the highways and launched a "leave steering" agitation from Saturday onwards.
During an interaction with media persons at the office of the union located at Mahatma Gandhi Avenue Imphal, Secretary of the Union M Anil stated that the cement truck was parked along with around 17 other trucks at Leingangpokpi Mayai Leikai after cement bags were loaded at Photon, Assam.
The truck was parked at the last end and it was set on fire by unidentified miscreants, informed Anil.
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He further stated that Manipur Government should be held responsible for the incident as it occurred during the economic blockade imposed by Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC).
"The government should grant compensation to the owner of the torched truck and book the culprits responsible for the act.
The police personnel posted in the area should be also be punished for neglecting dereliction of duties," demanded Anil.
The Secretary also reminded that the union had earlier written to Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam and requested him to "provide protection to the transporters as various incidents of looting, kidnapping and robbery had taken place along the highways." State Government has also been requested many times to set up Highway Protection Force but it has not taken any steps towards this end, said Anil.
Sadar Hills civil society organisations had imposed an economic blockade along the National Highway since December 2 midnight in protest against the Government's failure to repair the road.
Due to the blockade, around 200 loaded trucks have been stranded at Henbung of Senapati District on Friday.
One driver - Chongtham Oken from Langmeidong, whose truck has been stranded informed Hueiyen Lanpao that the State Government has always turned a blind eye towards the plight of drivers and handymen.
"The government has never realized the important roles played by the transporters for the society", rued Oken.