Talk fails again, stir continues
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 20:
As the second meeting between officials of the Assam Oil Division and the agitating oil tanker drivers failed to arrive at any understanding today, the ongoing stir of the tanker drivers to stay off the roads is unlikely to end for some days.
On the other hand, following the threat that the IOC will cancel contracts given to oil transporters, some tankers have started depositing oil at the AOD's oil depot today.
Speaking to reporters, Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh of the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union informed that a joint meeting attended by IOC's chief operation manager LS Phukan, DGM Digboi Amitav Mishra, safety manager PK Sharma, state level coordinator KI Singh, two officials of the FCS Department and representatives of the Union was held at the office chamber of the IOC's state level coordinator.
On the part of the IOC officials, they sought three months' time to address the demands of the Union which was rejected by its representatives.
Moreover, during a one to one interaction with the agitating drivers at Sangakpham, the IOC officials were told that they will continue with their hands-off-wheel stir until and unless depot manager Amar Jyoti Bordoloi and supervisor PC Kumar are transferred away, conveyed Bhupenchandra.
He further disclosed that the Union will suspend its agitation only after the two officials are removed from their current posts.
During the meeting the IOC officials not only issued specific instructions to resume transportation and deposition of oil at the depot immediately but also threatened to withdraw from the contracts it signed with the oil transporters.
Subsequent upon the threat, some tanker drivers deposited their oil load at the depot today.
However, some of their colleagues visibly upset with the change of stance pelted stones at the tankers depositing oil at the depot.
As a result of the ongoing tanker drivers' agitation, more than 100 oil tankers remain stranded at Khatkhati presently.