Bodies condemn attack on truckers along NH 37
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 16 2024:
Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA), Youth's Forum for Protection of Human Rights (YFPHR), Joint Tribes Students' Association (JTSA) of All Inpui Students' Union (AISU), Zeme Students' Organisation, Manipur (ZSOM), Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation, Manipur (RNSOM), and Liangmai Naga Kati-mai Ruangdi, Manipur (LNKR-M) among others have condemned in the strongest terms the armed attack on trucks in Kaimai area along NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) allegedly carried out by Kuki militants leaving two drivers injured and damaging five trucks on Tuesday.
Addressing a press meet at its Kwakeithel office, here, on Tuesday, MDA general secretary Kshetrimayum Sanjoy strongly condemned attack on transporters, who are serving the society and appealed to all concerned not to carry out such attacks in future.
At the same time, he expressed strong resentment over failure of government authorities to prevent the tragedy while recalling its repeated appeals to the Governor and security advisor for providing adequate security arrangement for the transporters, especially when the state is facing an ethnic conflict.
Transporters have been facing the wrath of armed organisations and miscreants along the highway for decades.
Tuesday's incident has once again brought up the urgent need for adequate security arrangement along the highway.
The state will face severe hardships if the drivers cease work, he said, while drawing immediate attention of the government.
Even though they are aware about the hardships people would face in the event of such strikes, they may resort to such extreme step if the government continues to ignore their plights, he cautioned, while drawing attention of the thief minister and the union home minister.
He also urged the government to ensure safe passage of the stranded transporters following the Tuesday's attack.
The Joint Tribes Students' Association (JTSA), comprising All Inpui Students' Union (AISU), Zeme Students' Organisation, Manipur (ZSOM), Rongmei Naga Students' Organisation, Manipur (RNSOM), and Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi Manipur (LNKR-M) also expressed condemnation of the ambush laid on a column of freight trucks between Kaimai Kuki village and Tollen Kuki village along NH37.In a statement, JTSA expressed deep concern over the attack allegedly carried out by Kuki miscreants, which resulted in damaging of five trucks, including one LPG and four oil tankers, leaving a driver injured.
Describing the incident as a "reprehensible act " of violence, the JTSA emphasised its commitment to maintaining peace and tranquillity within its jurisdiction along the Jiribam -Imphal road.
JTSA underscored the importance of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence among different communities, stressing that such incidents of violence will not be tolerated in the future.
The association condemned the ambush as a serious crime against humanity and an act of terrorism, which undermines communal harmony, especially during these challenging times.
Demanding immediate action against the perpetrators, JTSA called for a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served in accordance with the laws of the state.
It emphasised the significance of NH37 as a lifeline for the people of Manipur and urged citizens to act as ambassadors of peace, particularly in light of the forthcoming 18th Lok Sabha Election 2024.Addressing concerns of the panicked public, JTSA assured that no such incident will be allowed to recur along NH37 while affirming that normalcy will prevail.
In another statement, YFPHR has vehemently condemned the cowardly attack on trucks transporting essential commodities, including inflammable goods.
Such incidents are not isolated occurrences but represent a distressing trend of frequent attacks on truck drivers.
These attacks involve looting, torture, assault, kidnapping, and even murder, often stemming from demands for illegal taxes, YFPHR asserted.
The Forum underscored that targeting truck drivers and workers ferrying vital supplies infringes upon civilians' fundamental right to life.
Moreover, it testified failure of the state to ensure, safety and security of its citizens, particularly amidst the ongoing violent armed conflict in Manipur.
In a stern warning to the perpetrators, YFPHR recalled numerous instances of attacks and killings of unarmed civilians during the conflict and urged for swift action to safeguard frontline workers' lives.
Further, YFPHR called upon both the state and Central governments to prioritise the protection of frontline workers, including truck drivers and handymen.
It demanded the immediate removal of any obstructions on the National Highway and urged authorities to apprehend and prosecute the attackers in accordance with the rule of law.
Apunba Ireipakki Maheiroi Sinpanglup (AIMS) also strongly condemned the attack on truckers carrying essential items for the state by Kuki militants on Tuesday at Kaimai along Imphal-Jiri Road.
In a release, AIMS general secretary Khumujam Roshan said that such attacks on truckers is an affront to all communities.
Observing that there is security lapses on the side of state and central forces as the attack caused injury to driver and damage to trucks even in their presence, he demanded authorities concerned to take appropriate actions against the Kuki militants.
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