Imphal, July 29 2009: In the light of failure to repair and ensure security along the deplorable National High ways 39 and 53, transporters have announced that they would be launching an indefinite Chakka bandh along the two routes with effect from midnight of August 4 .

Transport organisations which would be enforcing the Chakka bandh include All Manipur Inter Bus Asso ciation, Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association, Imphal-Silchar Road Trans porters' Welfare Association and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers' Union.

Announcing the joint de cision at a press conference at Aryan Theatre here today, president of Petroleum Tankers Drivers' Union, Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh pointed out that the present condition of the two Na tional Highways, considered to be lifelines of the peo ple, are so deplorable that very often goods laden trucks break down on the two highways.

The transporters have been compelled to take the joint decision of launching the Chakka bandh as the Government has failed to improve the condition of the Roads and ensure security along the route inspite of nu merous appeals, Bhupen chandra explained, adding that Senapati Drivers' Union has also conveyed their sup port to the proposed Chakka bandh.

Plying of passenger buses, oil tankers, taxi ser vices and other trucks carrying essential commodi ties would be stopped during the Chakka bandh and those who defy it should be ready to bear with the conse quences, he added.

Appealing to all the trucks and other vehicles which are still outside Manipur to return in view of the Chakka.

bandh to be enforced from the midnight of August 4, he also urged the ATSUM and Senapati District Students' Association, which are en forcing economic blockade along the National High ways, to allow safe passage to the returning vehicles.

Asserting that the state ment made by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on the floor of the Assembly that adequate security have been deployed along the two National Highways was a de liberate attempt to mislead not only the House but also the people, Bhupenchandra demanded to know whether the law and order of Manipur is being maintained by the Army or the State police.

The conduct of the Army in releasing underground activists arrested by them along with arms without handing over to the police is confusing, he said.

Questioning further whether deployment of security along the National Highways to be protect the passengers and the vehicles or to help the underground activists in carrying out their extortion activities, Bhupenchandra dis closed that most cases of extortion are being carried out while checking the vehicles in front of the security posts.

So Chief Minister is not fit to be in charge of the Home and should resign from the post, he demanded.

Stating that the number of UG groups operating in Manipur is large enough and confusing, Bhupenchandra also appealed to all concerned not to impose heavy mon etary demand on the transporters.

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