MDA helps stranded drivers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 17 2024:
Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA) distributed essential food items and drinking water to truck drivers who have been stranded at Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown at Sangaiprou since January 3 .
The rice trucks numbering around 170/180 which came from Jiribam FCI godown have been held up at Sangaiprou FCI godown for half a month without being allowed to unload their goods.
A team of MDA led by Saikhom Babudhon, president, MDA and Ksh Sanjoy, general secretary distributed rice, lentils, onion, cooking oil, potatoes, salt and drinking water to the stranded drivers today.
Initially, in a phone call, the Depot Manager prohibited the MDA general secretary from distributing the essential items within the FCA complex, while adding that only the concerned rice contractors should be responsible for providing these basic necessities to the truckers.
Thus, the essential goods were handed over to the truck drivers in front of the FCI complex gate.
Speaking in this connection, Ksh Sanjoy stated that the drivers are facing various hardships as they have been stranded with their unloaded trucks for roughly half a month.
He shared that the trucks had left Jiribam FCI godown on December 29 and reached Sangaiprou FCI godown on January 3 with security escorts.
He pointed out the prolonged wait the drivers have been subjected to both in loading the trucks at Jiribam FCI godown and unloading at Sangaiprou FCI godown.
Similar incidents have also occurred in the past at Thoubal, Sekmai and Sawombung FCI godowns, he said.
Though the drivers are held up for long periods, the contractors responsible for lifting the rice do not provide any assistance in terms of basic necessities, he alleged.
He went on to say that the drivers at the godown have to pay a sum of Rs 20 to get water for cooking purposes.
Highlighting the poor treatment meted out to drivers, Ksh Sanjoy urged the relevant authority to permit unloading of the goods trucks at the earliest.
On the other hand, the stranded truck drivers extended their gratitude to the MDA team for their generosity.