Centre naive on NH protection force plan
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 24 2013 : Despite continuous demand from va-rious sections for deployment of highway protection force (HPF) to ensure safe passage of vehicle operators and pas-sengers along the national highways connecting Manipur to other parts of the country, the State Government is yet to for-mally put up the matter to the Centre, claimed Co-ordinating Body of Trade Unions Manipur chairman L sotinkumar.

Speaking during a press conference to share details about discussions between a delegation of the trade unions and the Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar recently, Sotinkumar quoted the Home Minister as saying that the Government of Manipur has not made any proposal to the Central Government for setting up or deployment of HPF till date.

It is said that the Minister instead suggested that the trade unions prevail upon the State Government to initiate all possible measures for sanitising the highways from adverse elements.

In the presence of Union convenor Kshetrimayum San-ta at the media briefing held today at Irawat Bhavan, So-tinkumar said in addition is- sues related to highway security, a memorandum contain- ing eight points was submitted to Shinde highlighting non-completion of NH-37 de-velopment works, illegal tax collections by security personnel, compensation to de- ceased motor workers, etc.

While informing that intention of the Union delegation to meet the prime Minister and highlight plight of the people of Manipur did not materialise, the chairman maintained that the 4-member delegation had a lengthy meeting with the Union Home Minister during which the lat-ter revealed about the State's inaction on deployment of HPF.

The other issues enlisted in the representation include completion of NH-37 road development within the shortest possible time, instruct BRO/BRTF to complete road and bridge constructions on the said route, utilise services of Military Engineering Department under the Ministry of Defence for expeditious completion of the Highway, provide compensation to victim drivers/damaged vehicles within a fortnight, reduce security check points on Nhs to two or three points, compu-terise integrated check posts and toll tax gates, stop unnecessary harassment of motor workers by police, effectively prohibit operation of armed groups currently engaged in peace talks with the Govt along the Highways and provide medical service along with recovery vehicles at every 50 kilometres to assist transport operators.

Noting that surface transport being the only means to ensure constant supply of food and other essential items in Manipur protecting the highways from disruptive elements is very crucial, said the chairman who also disclosed that Imphal-Moreh section of the highway being misused by nefarious indivi-duals to smuggle banned drugs was also highlighted to the Union Minister.

based on Shinde's assertion that Centre is committed to complete the Imphal-Jiri section of NH-37 by 2014 a Union team would assess every 15 days if the BRO engaged in the road development work is able to make any commendable progress, he informed.

Expressing that there is no justifiable reason why the State Government should not initiate suitable measures to ensure expeditious development of all the National Highways linking Manipur as well as deploy highway protection force for safe passage of transporters and passengers as the Centre is willing to provide all possible assistance, Sotinkumar also cautioned that the Union might resort to agitation with the cooperation of civil society organisations in case there is any laxity on the part of the State Government.

Representatives of All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' union, Inter State Bus Services Welfare Association, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union and Transporters & Drivers' council were also present during the press conference.

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