Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 22 2010:
Drivers and transporters transporting essential commodities for the State along Imphal-Jiribam highway are wary of travelling along the route following tax demands made by NSCN-IM and NSCN-K at Kambiron and Oinamlong.
NSCN-IM started demanding taxes from transporters travelling along NH 53 after it shifted its tax collection post from Noney to Kambiron.
There have been instances when NSCN-IM cadres took away even sphere tyres from trucks for not giving their illegal tax.
Meanwhile, NSCN-K has also raised its demand for vehicle taxes at Oinamlong area.
Under such circumstances, drivers have strong reservations to go along the highway without adequate security escorts.
Meanwhile, 131 empty trucks left Imphal for Jiribam this morning to bring in essential commodities.
The vehicles included 80 trucks for transportation of FCI rice, three oil tankers and 48 assorted goods carriers.
It is reported that the condition of the highway has improved considerably.
It now takes only two days for a truck to reach Imphal from Jiribam, says a report.