Transport policy on the anvil; Drivers' Day held
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, January 14 2015: The 26th Drivers' Day was observed by Gwaltabi & Yaingangpokpi Road Transport Association (GYRTA) at Seijang Community Hall, Imphal East on Wednesday.

Addressing the gathering as chief guest, Ksh Biren, MLA Lamlai Constituency asserted that necessary arrangement will be made to bring back SDO Office to Sawombung from Porompat at the earliest possible.

He also announced that provision for repairing roads and bridges in Lamlai Constituency has been included in the work programme of the government while adding that PDA Parking at Yaingangpokpi will also be renovated.

Admitting that drivers who are performing their duties day and night are facing unwarranted problems, the MLA appealed to the security forces to protect drivers of trucks and buses plying in National Highways from harassment by extortionists and gang members.

The incident of kidnapping of drivers and handymen by cadres belonging to different underground outfits for monetary demand has been on the rise in past years and this trend has to be halted, he said.

Necessary prompt measures should be taken up to thwart such incident in future, he observed.

Welcoming the decision taken by the concerned department to frame transport policy, MLA Biren said GYRTA is one of the oldest transport associations of the State.

M Joy, DC Imphal East who was present during the function as special guest stated that people should show respect to drivers who are performing duties against all odds for ensuring their livelihood.

He also strongly condemned the incidents of killing and abduction of drivers and handymen by cadres of underground outfits for ransom.

Speaking as special guest, M Lakshmi Kumar, Secretary of Transport/MOBC said that necessary steps have been taken up to frame transport policy in the State and appealed to transport organizations to give support and suggestions for the same.

During the function, floral tributes were paid to photos of deceased drivers as a mark of respect to the departed souls.

Simple gifts were also presented to family members of the deceased drivers.

All Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association also observed the 26th Drivers' Day at Sagolband Meino Leirak Community Hall with S Naba Singh, Deputy Secretary (Transport & Co-operation); Babudhon Shaikhuba, president of MDWA and K Saratkumar Singh, social worker gracing the occasion as chief guest, president and guest of honor respectively.

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