JAC decries Jan 21 attack on truckers...Demands Govt action by Feb 10
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 28 2022: A joint action committee formed against the security lapses which had led to the assault of drivers and destruction to trucks ferrying petroleum products to the State on January 21 in Kangpokpi district along National Highway 2, has vehemently condemned that incident and warned of various forms of agitation if the Government fails to take necessary measures.

It may be recalled that 59 trucks ferrying petroleum products and other essential commodities were damaged and the occupants including two drivers were attacked on January 21 in Kangpokpi following a blockade imposed subsequent to a hit and run incident.

Addressing media persons here at Manipur Press Club today, the convenor of the committee Ahongsangbam Tamphayai said that the attack and destruction caused to the truckers who were escorted by security personnel was very unfortunate and condemnable in the strongest terms.

A telephonic meeting among representatives of HPCL, BPCL, IOCL, Naraya Energy and the All Manipur LPG Distributors, Bullet Tanker Transporters and Drivers' Association was also convened in connection with the incident, he said.

AC decries Jan 21 attack on truckers

During the meeting, it was resolved to press the Government to ensure that signboards indicating speed limit, curves, schools and villages are installed along National Highway 2, the committee convenor said.

He informed that the representatives of the bodies also resolved to appeal to the State Government to make serious efforts so that such incidents do not occur again in the future and ensure safety of drivers ferrying petroleum products and other essential commodities.

They had also resolved that an enquiry be initiated by the State Government to book those involved in physically assaulting the drivers and causing destructions to the trucks at the earliest and demanded that Section 144 of CrPC be enforced along the National Highway whenever there is any bandh called by civil society organisations for the safety of the drivers, he said.

The committee also submitted a representation demanding a departmental enquiry into the alleged security lapses.

The committee, while listing the proposals and appeals to the Governor as resolved during the meeting, demanded that a departmental enquiry be initiated by the State Government to probe the lapses against the authorities concerned at the earliest.

It went on to warn different agitations including "staying off steering wheel" if the proposed departmental inquiry is not initiated by February 10 .