Transporters to suspend service on Jun 24
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20:
Enraged with the repeated criminal activities of targeting drivers and transporters along NH 39 and in protest against the unprovoked firing at a truck at Pephima, Nagaland which killed the driver and abduction of the driver of an LPG carrier, all the transporters and drivers operating along NH-39 up to Manipur have decided to suspend transport service on June 24.On June 18, some unidentified armed miscreants who came in a Maruti van fired indiscriminately at a truck (MN01A/7493) at Pephima, Nagaland killing the driver.
The deceased driver is identified as Kumar alias Khile (40) of Second Turibari, IT road, staying at present at Thangmeiband Hijam Leikai.
On the fateful day, Kumar was among four drivers who were going to other States to transport goods.
He was driving the rear most vehicle.
The corpse was brought to Imphal by members of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union and was accorded last respect at its office before handing it over to family members.
Meanwhile, a driver of an LPG carrier (AS01F/8273) who was abducted by some unidentified persons at about 5.30 pm yesterday from near Maharabi while he was transporting filled LPG cylinders from Gas Bottling Plant, Sekmai could not be traced till the time of filing this report.
The abducted driver is identified as one Amu (56) of Uchiwa.
When Amu came back after having tea to his vehicle which was parked near Sekmai Motor Vehicle Check Post, he found some unidentified armed persons sitting in his vehicle.
After forcing Amu to drive his vehicle towards Maharabi, he was abducted from there.
The vehicle driven by Amu belongs to Leibaklei Gas Agency, Kakching.
The vehicle was retrieved today.
Taking serious note of the twin incident of killing and abduction of drivers, an emergency meeting of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union was convened at its office today during which the woes and repeated acts of victimising drivers along highways were discussed at length.
The meeting presided by the Union's president S Manglem strongly condemned the unwarranted acts of killing and abducting drivers.
It further resolved to suspend all forms of transport service in the State on June 24 from 5 am to 8 pm in case the State Government fails to take up some concrete steps in connection with the twin incident.
The Union further appealed to all the transport organisations and societies operating in Manipur to cooperate during the proposed agitation.
It also urged the State Govt to extend all possible assistance to the bereaved family of the deceased driver.
In connection with the twin incidents of killing and abduction of driver, the Union has submitted a memorandum each to Chief Minister in-charge Th Debendra and the DGP.