Drivers' Union not to support strike
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 25 2013: Manipur Road Transport and Drivers Motor Workers Union and Petroleum and LPG Gas and NRL Drivers Union have come out against the cease work strike being called by All Manipur Transporter and Driver Forum from July 2 and said that they would not support the strike.

All Manipur Transporter and Driver Forum has called a cease work strike from July 2 in case the ongoing State Assembly fails to come up with a definite resolution over the formation of Highway Protection Force.

Addressing media persons in this regard at its MG Avenue office here today, H Kulamani, General Secretary of Manipur Road Transport and Drivers Motor Workers Union, on behalf of the two unions, stated that the union has been pressing the Union State Minister in connection with the demand for Highway Protection Force in the State.

The State Government on its part has also assured the union that the Highway Protection Force would be set up very soon.

Out of the 10 burnt down trucks whose compensation have not yet been paid by the State Government, three trucks belonged to the Union, he disclosed, adding that the delay in paying off the compensation to these trucks is because of the fact that the documents of the trucks were not submitted to the concerned authority in time.

While pointing out the reason behind not endorsing the cease work strike being called by All Manipur Transporter and Driver Forum, H Kulamani stated that the cease work strike would create problem to the people of the State in getting all the essential commodities since procurement of these commodities would come to a halt.

He further disclosed that cadres of NSCN (K) have been demanding yearly road tax of Rs 5000 from the trucks plying along NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) mainly in Lukhambi, Nungba and Keiphundai areas.

The cadres of NSCN (K) are imposing the monetary demand particularly to the trucks which are left behind due to some reason or the other from the escorted team.

They even demand their tax in the presence of the CRPF and police personnel and even resort to physical torture to the drivers, Kulamani alleged.

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