Atrocities recounted on Drivers' Day
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 14 2024:
Joint Coordinating Committee observed the 35th Drivers' Day at the head office of All-Manipur Road Transport Drivers & Motor Workers' Union at MG Avenue, Imphal on Sunday.
Unlike in the past years, the observance function was limited to offering of floral tributes to portraits of deceased drivers due to the prevailing situation in the state.
Addressing the attendees, Union general secretary Mai-mom Anil Meitei said numerous incidents of torture and killing of drivers along national highways compelled the drivers to stage protest at Koirengei old airfield in 1990 which continued to 15 days as commoners too extended solidarity and joined the demonstration.
In the aftermath of drivers subjected to atrocities for ransom, the Drivers' Day is being ob served every year on January 14 since the year 1990 to draw attention of the government authorities and the public, Anil said adding that drivers have been rendering their service for entire people of the state irrespective of hills and valley.
According to the secretary, around 306 drivers lost their lives till date in the service of the people with around 70-80 percent of them either killed for ransom or buried.
Most of the drivers died in shocking and heart-breaking incidents, he said and appealed people to help the drivers whenever in distress.
In the present conflict since May 3, drivers have been rendering their service for the people with their lives at risks and bringing food and essentials along national highways, Anil said and appealed people not to harass drivers and cause disturbance.