Tributes paid to deceased drivers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 14 2026: The 37th Drivers' Day observation was conducted today at Manipur Press Club, Majorkhul with the offering of floral tributes before the photos of deceased drivers of the State.

The observance ceremony was jointly organised by Manipur Drivers' Association (MDA), Highway Truck Owners' Organisation (HITOWO), Senapati District Truck Drivers Union, Senapati District Truck Owners Association and All Manipur Gorkha Truck Drivers & Owners Association.

Families of the deceased drivers and members of various drivers' organisations joined in paying tributes before the photos of the late drivers.

Other highlights of the ceremony include the release of yearly journal "Lamjelloi" and presentation of simple gifts to the attending families of deceased drivers.

The event was graced by Samson Huidrom, Deputy Director, Directorate of Transport, Manipur as the chief guest; Saikhom Babudhon, president, MDA as the functional president; social commentator Dr Dhanabir Laishram; K Adahrii, spokesperson, SDTOA; Sande Loli, president, SDTDU; and Anil Khawas, president, AMGTDOA as the guests of honour.

Addressing the gathering, Samson Huidrom recalled the weeklong protest by drivers at Old Airfield in Koirengei in 1990 which was subsequently commemorated as Drivers' Day.

Highlighting their services to the public, he offered his respects to drivers of the State and further sought the cooperation of the media fraternity to encourage and cheer them on.

The Deputy Director also stressed on the need for health schemes for drivers provided by the Government or drivers' associations.

He also encouraged drivers to subscribe to pension plans/schemes to ensure financial support for their families in case of their untimely passing.

Commenting on the demand for construction of a rest house for drivers, he said the Inter-State Truck Terminus has been built at Sekmai and plans are underway to construct a rest house along Jiri Road.

He further expressed hope that the overall condition of drivers in the State will improve with the completion of renovation of ISBT, Khuman Lampak.

Seeking support for drivers who bring in essential commodities for the people of Manipur, Sanjoy Kshetrimayum, secretary, MDA, appealed against any impediments in their routes.

"Some view incoming trucks as a bundle of money.

After crossing Sekmai, the trucks are stopped frequently at police check posts.

Almost every stop costs money and it has left drivers frustrated", he maintained.

In some cases, police personnel end up pelting stones and hurting the drivers when they don't stop their trucks, he alleged.

On another note, he sought welfare and development measures for drivers from the Government and further appealed them to introduce an insurance policy to provide financial security to the community.

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