Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 25 2009:
Reportedly unable to bear illegal taxes being exacted by different UG groups and security agencies and the harassments meted to drivers, aggrieved Tata Sumo drivers have ceased Sumo taxi service along Imphal-Moreh road from today.
Speaking to media persons today, some Tata Sumo drivers, operating along Imphal-Moreh route said that in addition to different UG groups, security forces have opened numerous check-posts at their own will and have been taking illegal taxes from all vehicles, including Tata Sumos all along the route.
Besides exacting illegal taxes, drivers were subjected to different forms of harassments including physical assault.
As the daily earnings have severely reduced after paying off the illegal taxes, vehicle owners are suspicious of the drivers.
Even as the Government was approached repeatedly to address such undue harassments and check imposition of illegal taxes, the Government has not taken up a single step till date, the drivers lamented.
They said that the Sumo drivers resolved to suspend transport service as they cannot afford the illegal taxes and suffer the harassments any longer.
They maintained that they would continue with their protest movement until a positive response is received from the State Government.