Drivers to lay off steering wheel
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 20 2025:
Drivers operating on the Imphal-Dimapur road have decided to launch a "steering down" strike if the office of a drivers' union at Sekmai which was removed recently is not reopened.
Speaking to the media, some drivers stated that the drivers' union office at Sekmai was instrumental in resolving grievances of both local and non-local drivers.
However, the office was removed following a police order, they rued.
They emphasized that Imphal-Dimapur (National Highway-2) and Imphal-Jiribam (National Highway-37) are lifelines for Manipur, and drivers' union offices along these routes provide crucial support to drivers in times of need.
The drivers alleged that police, traffic, and motor vehicle authorities collect illegal taxes at multiple points along the Sekmai-Imphal stretch, leaving them without a platform to address their grievances.
Urging the relevant authorities to reopen the drivers' union office at Sekmai and allow similar offices at other locations, they cautioned that they are prepared to launch a steering down strike if their demand is not entertained.