Truckers launch stir to protest thrashing by police
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 05 2023: Condemning assault on a truck driver servicing along the NH-37 in transportation of goods by personnel of Kaimai police outpost allegedly for not ceding to the cops' demand for unauthorised tax money, aggrieved Tata truckers have launched steering off protest demanding befitting action against the accused personnel.

In support of the agitation truckers operating in between Assam and Manipur have suspended service by parking along the road at Jirighat, Assam.

Speaking to media persons in this regard at Jirighat on Sunday, Silchar Truck Drivers' Association, Assam vice president RH Laskar informed that the incident occurred on Saturday at Kaimai police outpost in Tamenglong district as the victim driver was returning towards Jiribam after unloading cement in Imphal.

Some personnel of Manipur police halted the truck at the outpost and demanded money.

As the said driver paid the police personnel less than what they insisted and commented that no entry was necessary for empty vehicles, the police personnel thrashed the driver stating that it is not 'Pakistan'.

Condemning the assault, truck drivers transporting goods from Assam to Manipur along NH-37 ceased service and launched steering off protest at Jirighat, Assam, he informed while reminding all concerned that the drivers are bringing in essential goods for the people of Manipur by risking their lives.

"How will family of the driver sustain as he is injured now?" Laskar questioned and pointed out that there should be no discrimination of drivers oh the basis of their religion or community.

"All drivers are equal.

It is unfortunate to treat them as if they are not Indians", he denounced.

Urging to treat them equally as drivers of Manipur, Laskar contended that it is unfortunate that police are trying to strain the harmonious bond among the drivers.

No tax was collected from empty vehicles returning after unloading goods in other parts of the country, but it is surprising that taxes are being collected from empty vehicles in Manipur, he added.

The vice president further urged to stop levying tax from empty vehicles as is the norm in all parts of the country.

While cautioning that the drivers will continue the steering off protest and suspend transportation of goods to Manipur until befitting punishment is given to the police personnel involved, he urged the government to take up necessary initiatives so that such unfortunate incident does not recur.

Meanwhile, All Jiribam Road Transport and Drivers' Union (AJRTDU) and Silchar Truck Drivers' Union (STDU) have extended their support to the protest.

Later, a team of AJRTDU led by its secretary L Maniton visited the injured driver to inquire about his condition.

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