Imphal, September 29: Expressing deep concern over the failure of the authorities concerned to trace the abducted driver, Sahauddin, for the last eight days, the State Govt has today intimated the Director General of Police Assam to help in rescuing the driver from the clutches of the abductors as well as to provide adequate security measures to the stranded trucks in Assam.

Mention may be made here that Md Sahauddin (31) s/o Md Abdul Helim of Yairipok Tulihal Awang Leikai was abducted by unidentified gunmen on September 21 while changing a tyre at Khatkati area under Karbianglong Dist.

A team of the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union led by its president Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh today held separate meetings with the Forest Minister Ngamthang Haokip and Additional Director General of Police Y Joykumar and had lengthy discussions on the matter.

Talking to The Sangai Express, Y Bhupenchandra said that the union members during the meeting pressed the ADGP to take up necessary security measures and help in rescuing the abducted driver within the shortest possible time.

The ADGP on his part officially intimated the matter to the Assam DGP and requested him to take up appropriate measures for rescuing the abducted driver, added Bhupenchandra.

Elaborating on the union's meeting with Ngamthang Haokip today, Bhupenchandra said that the union members besides appealing to the Minister to help in rescuing the tanker driver also warned the Minister of serious consequences if the State Govt tries to force the tanker drivers to take to the wheels without rescuing Sahauddin from the clutches of the abductors.

After a patient hearing to the appeals of the union members, Ngamthang Haokip assured to take up necessary steps for the safe and unconditional release of Sahauddin and also to provide adequate security measure to all the drivers.

Lamenting that the Oil Tanker Owners, Contractors and Assam Oil Manager have shown little interest in rescuing the abductor driver, Bhupendra appealed to all the authorities concerned to extend cooperation and support in rescuing the abducted driver before things gets out of hand.

It may be noted here that the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers' Union has already begun a cease work strike from yesterday demanding for immediate release of the abducted driver.

Oil depot located at Chingmeirong has also stopped issuing petrol to all the oil pumps from yesterday as a mark of protest against the abduction of the tanker driver.

Comment