Tributes paid to heroism of drivers
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 14 2014 : Paying rich tributes to the heroism of drivers in Manipur, who have to risk their lives in transporting essential goods for the people along the National Highways, the 25th Drivers' Day was observed by the Transporters and Drivers Forum, Manipur and All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union at ISBT Complex, Khuman Lampak here today.

The observance was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam as Chief Guest and President of AMPTDU & TDF Y Bhupendra Ghosh as President, while MLA K Sharat, MLA E Chand, State Level Coordinator of IOC, Manipur Kh Ibobi and Senior Depot Manager of IOC, Imphal SI Singh attended as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, Deputy CM Gaikhangam said that there is a growing trend of factionalism in the State.

There may be pros and cons for having factions, but such trend should be avoided as far as the development of the State is concerned.

The observance of Drivers' Day at different places by different organizations should better be merged as one, he noted.

25th Drivers' Day was observed

The drivers and transporters play crucial roles in supplying essential commodities to the State, where there is no railway or waterway.

The public should also support them and pray for their safety and well-being all throughout their journeys in public service, the Deputy CM asserted.

Two retired drivers namely Konjengbam Mani and Laishram Babu were conferred the Lifetime Achievement Awards for their dedication and diligence while they were in service.

The family members of deceased drivers and handymen were also presented gifts by the dignitaries during the observance.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union also observed the 25th Drivers' Day at Langjing Achouba Truck Parking.

The observance was attended by ex-Minister N Mangi as President and President of AMRTDMWU S Manglem as President, while social-worker Okram Henry, Secretary of AITUC Manipur L Sotinkumar, Secretary of Transporters and Drivers Council Ng Haridas, Imphal West DTO M Mani, General Secretary of TOWAM Y Lokeshwar, Special Contractor P Nilakanta and Joint Secretary of TDC RK Sheilesh Kumar as Guests of Honour.

Speaking on the occasion, General Secretary of AMRTDMWU Kulamani rued lack of security for drivers and passengers along the national highways.

The deplorable condition of the national highways in the State not only causes trouble to the drivers but it is also a setback to the development of the State.

Floral tributes were also paid to the deceased drivers and handymen during the observance.

The 'Drivers' Day' was also observed today by Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association at Sagolband Meino Leirak Community Hall along with paying rich floral tributes to the photos of late drivers.

The observance was attended by Babudhon Saikhuba, president of Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association; N Basanta, member of the Association and W Boy, member, HEDO as Presidium Members.

Speaking on the occasion, M Tomba, secretary of Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association said the Drivers' Day is being observed since 1990 and recalled the incident where a driver was killed in Nagaland that sparked huge public outcry.

He stated that drivers are the most ill fated workers in the State and informed that around 300 drivers have been killed while conducting duties with some others kidnapped and slain later.

He also lamented that the State Government has failed to recognize the role and contribution of drivers which is unfortunate.