Deceased drivers remembered on 36th Drivers' Day
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 14 2025: All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers' Union (AMRTD & MWU) observed the 36th Drivers' Day at its office premises in MG Avenue, Imphal on Tuesday.

Union secretary Maimom Anil led the gathering which include Union representatives and families of deceased drivers in offering floral tributes to the portraits of the deceased drivers.

AITUC Manipur secretary L Sotinkumar and AMRTD & MWU legal advisor M Kameshwar Singh also attended the observance.

Speaking on the occasion, Anil informed that the day is observed to remember the 306 drivers who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He continued that drivers have taken up the humungous responsibility of transporting daily essential items to the people of the state.

Deceased drivers remembered on 36th Drivers' Day

However, they are often looked down by people in Manipur as well as in the neighbouring states, a problem which continues to persist till date.

As such, he appealed to all concerned to view the drivers as a fellow human being instead of an enemy.

On the other hand, Inter State Bus Drivers and Workers Union observed the 36th Drivers' Day at the hall of Friends Union Club, Khurai Heikrumakhong on Tuesday.

The observance was attended by Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) Manipur State secretary Kshetrimayum Shanta, and veteran drivers Thounaojam Shamu and Konjengbam Tombi as presidium members.

During the observance, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of deceased drivers, followed be presentation of honorary stoles (lengyan) to the families of the deceased drivers.

A free health camp was also organised by Khongnangthaba University on the occasion.

In his speech, Kshetrimayum Shanta demanded appropriate compensation for the motor workers who were injured on the line of duty, while stressing the need for withdrawing the Motor Vehicles Act (Amendment) 2019, which is unfavourable to motor workers but supports the wealthy vehicle owners.

The Day was also observed by Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA), Senapati District Truck Drivers' Union (SDTDU), Senapati District Truck Owners' Association (SDTOA) and All Manipur Gorkha Truck Drivers' & Owners' Association (AMGTDOA) jointly at Loktak Hall, Manipur Press Club, Imphal on Tuesday.

The observance marked by paying of floral tributes to the photos of past members and release of a souvenir was attended by retired IPS officer Potsangbam Sonamani, MDA president Saikhom Babudhon Meitei, social scientist Dr Dhanabir Laishram, All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) former president Wangkhemcha Shamjai, SDTOA president Daikho Sani, SDTDU president Sande Loli and AMGTDOA president Anil Khawash as presidium members.

Speaking on the occasion, MDA general secretary Sanjay Kshetrimayum informed that the observance has been held annually since 1989 to pay respect to drivers who have retired and drivers who have passed away in unfortunate accidents while carrying out their services.

He said that the Union has been appealing to the government to declare the day as a public holiday and to facilitate a pension scheme for retired drivers as well as for drivers who have become disabled due to accident.

All Heirok Auto Owners' & Drivers' Joint Action Committee (AHAODJAC) observed 6th Drivers' Day at Heirok Part II Mayai Leikai community hall on Tuesday.

The programme was attended by Thoubal DSP Yumlembam Sumant as chief guest and AHAODJAC chairman Laishram Biren Meitei as president, while Heirok police station OC Robert Naorem, 2nd OC Bakta and Apunba Auto Rickshaw (Diesel) Drivers' and Owners' Association, Thoubal District secretary Ningthoujam Jiban Meitei were guests of honour.

The observance was marked with paying of floral tributes to photos of deceased members and observing of a two-minute silence in their respect.

All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers' Union (AJRTDU), Jiribam also observed 36th Manipur Drivers' Day on Tuesday.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were paid to drivers of Jiribam, who have passed away along with observing a two-minute silence in their memory.

Local Tata Truck Owners' Welfare Association (LTTOWA) observed 10th Drivers' Day at Wangjing Khunou on Tuesday by presenting gifts to drivers.

The programme was attended by Wangoo police station sub-inspector L Romen, LTTOWA president Sapam Ibom-cha, Wangoo Lamkhai police out-post commander Mutum Priyokumar, KADAMPAL secretary M Sangita, LTTOWA finance secretary Ningombam Inaocha as presidium members, while social activist Dr Kiran Yendrembam spoke as resource person.

The speakers at the programme appealed to the drivers to be responsible and not to use intoxicants while driving, and the general public to treat drivers respectfully considering the hardships and issued faced by them during transportation of goods.

They also emphasised on the importance of the government establishing Highway Protection Force for the safety of drivers on NH, and to look into the welfare of driver community.