Truck drivers call off cease work
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 02 2013: The cease work strike launched by All Manipur Transporters and Drivers' Forum from morning today to press the demand for formation of Highway Protection Force among others, has been called off following an understanding with the State Government today itself.

A joint meeting of the members of All Manipur Transporters and Drivers' Forum and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was held at the latter's office chamber at Imphal Secretariat here at around 4:30 pm today.

Talking to mediapersons after the meeting, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam announced that the proposed cease work strike of the truck drivers has been called off following an understanding with the Government.

During the meeting, the State Government gave the assurance of taking up necessary measures to fulfill the demands of the Forum and appealed to call of their cease work strike.

Accordingly, Forum agreed to call off its stir and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) has been signed, the deputy Chief Minister added.

The MoU has been signed by M Yaiskul, Additional Secretary (Home) on behalf of the State Government while Y Bhupendra, President of All Manipur Transporters and Drivers' Forum appended his signature on behalf of the Forum.

The Deputy Chief Minister observed that setting up of Highway Protection Force is indeed the need of the hour.

However, for that approval of Union Government would be required.

So, a statement in this regard has been forwarded to the Centre earlier.

If an additional number of two IRB battalions were recruited, then there is the possibility of setting up Highway Protection Force in the State at the earliest possible.

He further observed that the demand of the Forum regarding increasing the number of highway police check post has also been taken seriously by the State Government and the concerned authority has been directed to look into the matter.

Regarding paying of compensation to the burnt down trucks, the Government would do the needful after looked into the matter, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Home, informed that the culprit involved in the killing of Auto driver Deben surrendered to Lamlai Police Station today.

He has been identified as one Ksh Ibomcha, s/o Ksh Gopal of Tellou Chana.

Moreover, investigation into the Yairipok rape case has been almost completed and the Nongmeibung rape case is under investigation, he added.

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