Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 12:
Inter-State bus service which has been suspended following monetary demands from 24 different underground organisations operating in both the hills and valley in addition to some civil organisations remains out of operation for the tenth day today.
Hit hard by the crippling effect of the numerous demands, a protest sitting was staged at North AOC here today demanding withdrawal of the monetary demands.
During the protest sitting staged under the aegis of the All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association, the protesters put up placards which read as "Let public services operate freely", "We are giving self-employment", "Don't starve transporters" etc.
A representative of the bus association said that the transporters were forced to cease their service because of huge annual monetary demands from more than 24 UG groups including factions, some civil organisations and the hike in entry fees at check-posts located between Khoizuma to Pichu gate in Nagaland.
In the meantime, the transporters have talked with some UG groups in connection with the monetary demands but it failed to arrive at any understanding.
Rather the UG groups exerted strong pressure to pay the amounts demanded leaving the transporters with no other option but to continue their cease work stir, he disclosed.
Taking into account the difficulties and inconveniences endured by the people following suspension of inter-State bus service since May 3, police broke open the locks of bus ticket counters and asked the association to resume bus service.
SP Imphal West also assured to provide security escorts.
Even as the State provided security escorts teams, transporters could not resume their service as there was no understanding on monetary demands and threats still existed.
The transporters and owners have serious apprehension that some drivers may be abducted from highway, the representative conveyed.
Regular increase in annual 'bus tax', 'counter' tax' levied by numerous UG groups of both the hills and valley every year and the hike in entry fees charged at check-posts located between Khoizuma and Pichu gate in Nagaland has literally pushed the transporters to bankruptcy.
At the 6/7 check posts located between Khoizuma and Pechi gate, a bus has to pay at least Rs 3000 for a single up-down trip, he informed.
It is far beyond the capacity of the transporters to pay all these taxes, demands and entry fees being levied by so many parties, he added.