Drivers' Day observed across state
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 14 2022: Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA) observed the 33rd Drivers' Day at Moidangpok, Keithelmanbi on Friday w!rh different transporters' unions also commemorating the day at different locations.

As part of the observance by MDA, floral tributes were offered to the portraits of deceased drivers, followed by presentation of gifts to the families of the deceased driv- ers and also to drivers, who have left the profession due to old age.

Later, MDA handed over 3 ambulances to MDA Sekmai Branch, MDA Barak Branch and Senapati District Truck Drivers' Union.

The observance was attended by All Manipur Apunba Meiteilon Meiralup president Konjengbam Guni as chief guest and MDA president Saikhom Babudhon Meitei as president while MDA advisors Samom Ganga Singh Meitei and L Yaima, Moidangpok GP ex-pradhan Thokchom Gambhir, social worker Ne-hkhothang Kipgen and Senapati Truck Drivers' Union advisor L Mojesh were present as guests of honour.

In her speech, Konjengbam Guni highlighted the huge roles played by drivers in bringing in food and other daily essential items for the people of the state while putting their lives at risk.

Their contributions are far greater than any minister of MLA of the state, she said and stressed that the state government should respect the drivers, while suggesting declaring the Day as a state holiday.

MDA general secretary Kshetrimayum Sanjay said that the ambulances were handed over to aid drivers and the locals in times of emergencies.

He then urged for support of the people towards the Association and assured of expanding its future range of activities.

All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union (AMRTD & MWU) also observed the 33rd Drivers' Day at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here on Friday.

After offering floral tributes to the portraits of deceased drivers, AMRTD & MWU general secretary Maimom Anil Meitei recounted the historic protest staged by drivers at Koirengei old airfield in 1990 after the killing of a handyman in Nagaland by unidentified persons.

Since then, the day is being observed every year as Drivers' Day with offering of floral tributes to the portraits of the deceased drivers who sacrificed their lives for the public.

He then remarked that despite the huge risks to their lives, the drivers continue to perform their duties.

There are incidents of drivers being abducted and sometimes murder for money by armed groups along National Highways 37 and 2.Even now, there are some drivers who are still missing.

Thus, the observance was organised to propagate the message of preventing such atrocities against the drivers, he added.

Observing the improved connectivity following the installation of two bridges along Imphal-Jiri route, Anil, however, highlighted the various inconveniences still faced by drivers along the route and as such, urged the state government to look into the matter as soon as possible.

On the other hand, All Jiribam Road Transport drivers' Union (AJRTDU) observed the Day at its office located near Foreigner Check Post at Babupara, Jiribam on Friday, with strict adherence to Covid-19 SOP.

As part of the observance, floral tributes were offered to the photographs of 10 deceased drivers, followed by presentation of simple gifts to the families of the deceased.

AJRTDU also presented gifts to TATA drivers plying along NH-37.Meanwhile, Wangjing Transport Welfare Society (WTWS) observed its 4th Drivers' Day at the ground of Social and Cultural Association in Lamding on Friday.

Khangabok AC ex-MLA Okram Landhoni attended the observance as chief guest and Sangaiyumpham GP Zilla Parishad member Md Hibjur Rahman as president, while Slopeland Public School, Salt village, Khongjom principal Nahakpam Babulin; IRE group of Institution, Wangjing principal Narengbam Rajivkumar; Wangjing Lamding Municipal Council ward no 3 councillor Yumnam Ibopishak; Wangjing OP OC Soibam Seilen; social workers Laishram Subash, Ngangom Joy; Sangaiyumpham GP ward members sing Ningthoujam ongbi Anita Leima and Khundongbam ongbi Debala were present as guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, G Landhoni highlighted the roles played by drivers and stated that they should be given their due respect.

She then wished the drivers to live a healthy life so they could serve the people for as long as possible.

In his speech, social worker Laishram Subash appealed to the drivers to serve the people with a sincere and selfless heart.

He then suggested organising awareness programmes to inform the masses about the huge contributions made by the drivers of the state During the observance, WTWS offered floral tributes to the portrait of the deceased drivers, which was followed by observance of a 2-minute silence.

The Society then presented gifts to the families of the deceased drivers.

Comment