Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 12:
Even as the All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur heeded the call of the State drivers to relax the economic blockade for a day to enable them to participate in the Drivers' Day function on January 14, the driver fraternity has come out very strongly against the action of City police personnel today.
Narrating their tale, five drivers said that they proceeded to Nagamapal after getting the due TR tickets from the Traffic police at about 2.30 pm today.
An exception was made in issuing the TR tickets as the five vehicles were carrying perishable items, like potatoes, tomatoes, green chillies and peas.
Since they have been stranded on the highway since the blockade began their goods had started rotting and it was for this reason they approached the Traffic police to make an exception and allow them to enter the commercial area so that they may unload the goods.
Accordingly the TR tickets were issued to the five trucks, said the drivers.
However at about 4.30 pm a team of City police personnel came to the scene and demanded to know where the drivers were and why they had parked their trucks there.
Even though the TR tickets were produced they did not listen and went away along with 2 bags of potatoes, 2 cartons of tomatoes, 1 bag of chillies and 1 bag of peas, alleged the driver.
The two front tyres of a truck were also deflated by the police.
The drivers strongly condemned the high handed manner of the cops and added that the matter has been apprised to the Drivers' Welfare Assn.
The five drivers are identified as M Babu (58) of Yumnam Leikai Ngakraba Leirak (MNO1/6541), Rajen of New Checkon (AS25B/7356, Y Bhubon (51) of Naran Konjin, Mayai Leikai (NL01A/8168), Soibam Inaocha (29) of Iroishemba (MN01/6574) and Th Biren of Naran Konjin Mamang Leikai (NL01/A/9804).