Mishap kills one, tankers attacked
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 15, 2013: A labourer was killed after he was knocked down by an oil tanker truck at Maram, Senapati district along NH-2 this morning following which the driver of the tanker was taken into captivity.

Soon after a tense situation ensued and at least three oil tankers were vandalised.

A similar restive situation was also seen at Chingmeirong fuel depot as petroleum transporters refused to unload their tankers for sometime.

A convoy of oil tankers and LPG bullet trucks were heading for Imphal with CRPF escorts this morning after they were stranded for several days at Khatkhati.

On the way, one of the oil tankers met with the fatal accident at around 8 am.

The convoy escorted by the CRPF personnel consisted of 145 oil tankers and 35 LPG bullet trucks.

The deceased was one Saddam Ali (25) s/o Yashi Ali from Nagaon district, Assam.

He was a bricklayer.

Enraged by the fatal accident, people of Maram took driver Bikash Hushal (30) of T Waichong into captivity.

They also vandalised three oil tankers.

The crowd also prevented the convoy from moving ahead.

Later, Senapati district police and 69 Bn CRPF rescued driver Bikash.

The tense situation was brought under control after the arrival of local MLA Alexander Pao and leaders of petroleum transporters.

Subsequent upon an agreement, the convoy was allowed to move ahead in the afternoon.

On learning about driver Bikash being taken into captivity, petroleum transporters refused to unload their tankers at Chingmeirong depot even as 140 oil tankers were lined up for unloading.

Saying that no one wants to commit mistakes even a minor one, All manipur Petroleum Tankers and Drivers Union president Y Bhupenchandra Ghosh lamented the act of harassing drivers.

He said there is law above all.

As the situation at Maram subsided and driver Bikash released, petroleum transporters unloaded their tankers and went to retail outlets to deliver fuel oils.

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