Dy CM accused
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 03 2013: Rejecting Deputy Chief Minis-ter Gailchangam's contention that transporters plied on both highways following an agreement with a rival transport organisation, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union has threatened to enforce suspension of transport service throughout the State in case the DyCM do not clarify within five days.

Terming Gaikhangam's comment carried in the State media as not only misleading but amounted to undermining commitment of transport workers to ensure there is no food shortage in the State, Union general secretary H Kulamani explained that inspite of suspension of transport service call given by a particular transport body the agitation had no impact as members of the Union continued transport service as usual.

Speaking to media persons at its MG Avenue office today, Kulamani said failure by Gaikhangam, who is also the Home Minister, to withdrawn his misleading statements will compel the Union to cease all forms of transport activities, including inter-district passenger service.

Irrespective of whether or not the Deputy CM and representatives of the rival transport body reached an agreement, Union members plied as usual on both the national highways on July 2, the day when suspension of transport service was supposed to begin, said the secretary.

On the said day, many loaded trucks including transport fuel and LPG carriers were shipped in on the Imphal-Dimapur route with CRPF escort party while over 135 empty trucks left on the same highway section under security cover, Kulamani maintained while informing that over 100 loaded trucks arrived here through the Imphal-Jiribam route.

Branding the rival transport body as pseudo-transporters, he suggested that Gaikhangam may confirm movement of trucks on July 2 from either CRPF authorities or through police check points located on both the highways.

Affirming that drivers do not accord much importance to politics, Kulamani said politicians making premature comments will confuse the geperal public and tantamount to demoralising spirit of the driver community who are more concerned with ensuring sufficient food items for the general public.

Reiterating demand for clarification from the Home Minister within five days, he cautioned that lack of positive response will compel the Union to launch intense agitation during which even inter-district passenger services remaining suspended cannot be ruled out.

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