Stranded drivers, handymen facing endless sufferings
Economic blockade in full swing, every vehicle checked for goods
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 09 2011: Even as the SHDDC and UNC have withdrawn their bandhs and general strike along the NHs of the state, the economic blockade is in full swing with blockade supporters coming out and checking each and every vehicle plying on these roads to see whether any goods are being transported in the state.

Meanwhile, the drivers and handymen of the goods loaded trucks, which have been stranded in parts of Kohima and Dimapur, unable to enter Manipur because of the ongoing economic blockade are facing serious problems silently.

Some of them are even suffering from serious diarrhoea and high fever.

Recently a team of media persons went to get a first hand report of the prevailing situation and the sufferings faced by the truckers and drivers who are stranded along the NHs in and outside the state.

They came across blockade supporters checking each and every vehicle plying on these roads to see whether any essential goods are being transported in the state.

The most shocking aspect of the economic blockade that the team came across was the silent suffering faced by the drivers and handymen who are stranded along the NH 39 in parts of Nagaland and Assam for the last one month and more.

In Loharjaan area, Assam, there are still 40 goods laden trucks stranded.

Another 40 trucks are also stranded at Khatkhati and 20 in Bokajan.

16 MSRTC trucks are stranded at Kohima and 40 vehicles in Khujama, in Nagaland.

These stranded trucks are loaded with iron rods, plywoods, paper, cold drinks and transformers.

Pouring out their grievances, the truck drivers and handymen told reporters that no help either from the Nagaland government's side or any NGO for that matter, has come their way.

Only one organisation from Jakhama has distributed 2 kg of rice and half a kg of dal to the drivers.

The truck owners have also sent certain amounts of rice but it did not reach in time.

They further said that some of the drivers have left the place leaving aside their goods laden trucks.

They complained about the attitude of the government of not extending any helping hand.

The stranded vehicles in Dimapur and parts of Assam are reluctant to take the Jeshami road due to the high expenditure involved.

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