Transporters see red over intimidation of drivers
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 22 2026: Even as security forces broke through CoTU blockade at Keithelmanbi and allowed vehicles to proceed toward Jiribam today, truck owners have demanded immediate transfer of Keithelmanbi police station's Officer-in-Charge for "intimidating drivers" .

A large number of empty trucks, tankers, private and passenger vehicles were stuck at Keithelmanbi due to the blockade, imposed by the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU) .

While no security measures were taken by the district police to secure the highway, the Officer-in-Charge of Keithelmanbi allegedly intimidated the drivers and asked them not to travel on the highway, said Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association's president Hijam Ranjit.

Speaking to this paper.

Ranjit said a large number of protesters including womenfolk were enforcing the blockade at Kotlen and adjoining areas in Kangpokpi district since early morning.

He said a total of 450 empty trucks and tankers, and 90 private and passenger vehicles were stuck at the Keithelmanbi area since early morning unable to proceed toward Jiribam.

He said the vehicles were travelling under the security cover of three convoys of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) .

After an immediate intervention was sought from the Home Minister and other top officials of the Government, a large number of CRPF personnel led by a Deputy Inspector General (DIG) and Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel were then dispatched to Keithelmanbi, Ranjit said.

The joint team of the CRPF and RAF then evicted the protesters, allowing vehicles to proceed toward Jiribam at around 12.30 pm.

The vehicles including empty trucks and tankers completed passing the area at around 2.30 pm, Ranjit said.

The vehicles stuck at Keithelmanbi were able to break through the blockade and pass the area only after the arrival of the CRPF and RAF, Ranjit said, holding the Superintendent of Police of the district and Officer-in-Charge of Keithelmanbi PS responsible for the delay.

Even though they had prior information about the scheduled departure of the vehicles, the Kangpokpi district SP and OC Keithelmanbi PS failed to take up any security measure and clear the blockade, Ranjit said.

The OC of the Keithelmanbi PS, instead of clearing the highway, intimidated the drivers and asked them not to proceed toward Jiribam, Ranjit said.

It was gross misconduct and negligence on the part of the Officer-in-Charge that disrupted and delayed the vehicles.

The Government and the authorities concerned should take strong action against the officer and transfer him immediately, Ranjit said.

If no action is taken to replace the Officer-in-Charge, the association along with drivers may launch intense agitation, including hands off steering wheel stir, Ranjit said, urging the Government to ensure free passage of vehicles on the highways at all times.

Meanwhile, a total of 300 vehicles escorted by two convoys of CRPF reached Imphal from Jiribam today.

The vehicles include fuel, LPG tankers and goods trucks.

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