Mao bound buses stoned while sneaking through NH-39
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 21, 2010: Three passenger buses and one mini bus, which were plying along the National Highway 39 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) in defiance of the decision of the Transporters and Drivers� Council, Manipur reportedly suffered damage when unidentified persons rained stones on them near Sangakpham bazar in Chingmeirong today.

One woman trader travelling in one of the buses was hurt in the attack.

Meanwhile, Transporters and Drivers' Council, Manipur has threatened to suspend all the passenger services including auto-rickshaws if the Govt does not come up with some concrete arrangements to ensure adequate supply of fuel.

According to information received by the press, the three passenger buses and the mini bus left for Mao from Imphal in the morning today when some persons on motor cycles, with their faces covered with handkerchiefs pelted stones at the buses near Sangakpham Bazar, Chingmeirong and 2nd MR Gate.

Police report, however, said that only two buses have suffered damage.

The registration number of the two damaged buses are MN01/1167 and MN01/0341 and the owners have been identified as SK Chao Paomei of Thingba Khullen and Sekhop Paomei of Tungjoy.

Both the buses are plying between Mao and Imphal.

One of the damaged buses with broken wind shield

In the stone attack, one Ningthoukhongjam Jamini Devi of Malom, who was travelling inside one of the buses was hit and sustained injuries.

She was given first aid at the hospital.

She is trader and was going to Mao along with her wares when the incident took place, according to police report.

Meanwhile, a joint meeting of the primary societies/associations of the transporters was convened at the MG Avenue office of the Transporters and Drivers� Council here this afternoon to discuss the difficulties being faced by inter-district passenger services due to shortage of fuel supply.

Presided over by vice president of the Council Th Ibohal, the meeting took serious note over the inability of the transporters to do their normal duty while waiting in queue for fuel supply at the oil pumps, even spending the night there and demanded that instead of the queue system Government should make some definite arrangements for providing fuel at some selected oil pumps every day.

Accordingly, it was resolved that the Council would approach the Government for identifying some designated oil pumps where fuel can be supplied on token system under the control of the Council.

Furthermore, it was resolved that if the Government fails to implement these demands at the earliest possible, then all the passenger services would cease work.

All those who were present during the meeting today reportedly endorsed the decision of the Council not to ply along the National Highway 39 until the Government of India and Government of Manipur ensure protection of the vehicles along the said National Highway and pay compensation for the damages caused during the recently lifted economic blockade.

When contacted in this regard, general secretary of the Council Ng Haridas informed that there has been no change in the stand of the Council.