Transporters attacked on NH 37
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 11 2023:
In the midst of the extreme misery being endured by all sections of the people on account of the violent crisis besieging the State for the last 38 days, suspected cadres of an armed organisation have been attacking transporters and drivers ferrying essential commodities on NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam highway) in connection with monetary demand.
With the Imphal-Dimapur highway closed since the crisis erupted on May 3, all essential commodities including food items are being transported on NH-37 with security escorts.
Apart from pelting stones, the cadres have been halting empty as well as loaded trucks and threatening drivers at Rengpang, Nungba, Keimai and Nungkao, sources informed.
Although security escorts accompany loaded trucks travelling from Jiribam to Imphal, only one security vehicle follows every 10 or more trucks.
Taking advantage of this inadequate escort arrangement and absence of adequate security forces on ROP duty, the suspected cadres have been threatening drivers, looting the trucks and extorting money.
Moreover, they have been attacking the trucks by pelting stones.
As a result, many trucks suffered damages and some drivers sustained injuries, said the sources.
If the drivers/transporters decide not to ply on Imphal-Jiribam highway because of these disturbances, acute shortage or total unavailability of essential commodities would hit all the people, said the sources.
Drivers plying on the highway have appealed to all village chiefs, village authorities and the villagers to persuade the armed cadres not to attack trucks ferrying essential commodities for all the people of Manipur.
On the other hand, following some rainfall during the last couple of days, the highway's condition has deteriorated to a very bad shape near Rongdai village, Nungba and KCCTIL Company, Rengpang and there are times trucks got stuck at these places.
The drivers have sought immediate attention of the Government and other authorities concerned to these problems.