Many Condemn Killing Of Driver; Charges Abound: AMUCO calls 2 day mass protest
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, April 19 2013 : The protest movement against the killing of driver S Babu Singh in Manipur is likely to gain momentum as the powerful All Maniour United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO) has extended support to it and called upon all National Highway drivers, employees of both private and Government institutions to join a 2-day mass demonstration to protest the killing on April 20-21 in Imphal.

Announcing the proposed protest to the media at the head office of All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation here Friday, president of the organization KT Rahman said AMUCO highly condemns the killing of driver Babu and torching of two trucks on NH-37 by armed miscreants on April 17 .

Rahman also appealed to all concerned not to disrupt the drivers working day and night along highways connecting the state with other states either in secret or open manner.

He accused Manipur Government of not taking initiative to provide appropriate security for protection of the highways despite frequent occurrence of such incident.

Rahman pointed out that Babu had lost his life as no security personnel were present on his way while he along with his assistant were returning toward Imphal after fixing the vehicle.

All the concerned should clarify on the killing of the driver who begged for his life holding the legs of the miscreants before he was shot to death, Rahman demanded.

The AMUCO president said that scores of incidents had happened along the highways where the outfit indulged in kidnapping and demanding of ransoms and murdering of people.

He cited the brutal killing of Dr Kishan, Rajen and Token, forced disappearance of Iranbanta and the recent molestation case of actress Momoko which sparked widespread public outrage wherein the Naga outfit were involved and said the state Government has failed to take any concrete step to sort out these issues till date.

Rahman alleged that under such circumstances the state Government has shown that it has completely failed to maintain law and order in the hill.

He said, "People who are posted in the hill are akin to scapegoat.

Therefore, it is the need of the hour that the Government sets up more police stations and strengthens the police force in the hill" .

The Government should announce reward in its efforts to arrest the accused in the driver Babu killing and establish highway protection force to save life, Rahman demanded.

Rahman also cautioned the Government of Manipur that it should owned up if misunderstanding is emerged out of the above incidents between the valley and hill.

The killing of driver Babu must be condemned both by the valley and hill people, he said, adding that AMUCO supports the 48-hour statewide bandh being enforced by All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union from April 18 midnight till April 19 midnight over the killing.

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