Truck Drivers Suspend Operations In Manipur, Ask For Adequate Security On NHs
Pointing out that the protest was triggered by the death of a truck driver from West Bengal, who was killed in an ambush at TM Kasom along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road, security sources said that drivers are asking for the safety of their lives
Guwahati: Bogged down by killing of a truck driver and prolonged blockade of the national highways in Manipur, hundreds of truck drivers on Saturday suspended transportation services along National Highway-37 (Imphal–Jiribam Road) in protest against the killing of a truck driver in an ambush on Friday.
Pointing out that the protest was triggered by the death of a truck driver from West Bengal, who was killed in an ambush at TM Kasom along the Imphal–Ukhrul Road, security sources said that drivers are asking for the safety of their lives.
Indicating that about 400 trucks, including LPG bullet tankers, oil tankers and goods carriers are stranded at Keithelmanbi, security sources said that agitating truck drivers and their support staff have refused to sit on wheels.
The drivers gathered in solidarity with the deceased and voiced concerns over the safety of transport operators moving through conflict-prone routes in the state.
The protesting drivers demanded stronger security arrangements for commercial vehicles and transport workers operating on Manipur's highways. They also called for the complete reopening of National Highway-102 (Imphal–Dimapur Road), a key supply route linking the state with neighbouring regions.
Pointing out that a driver was killed by armed militants while their convoy was escorted by security forces, protesting drivers warned that transportation services would remain suspended until adequate security measures are put in place and normal movement along NH-102 is restored.
Security sources feared that the suspension of truck services has raised concerns over possible disruptions in the movement of essential commodities, fuel and other supplies into the state if the protest continues for an extended period.
Manipur Police have initiated search operations to apprehend the culprits. However, truck drivers refused to take back their agitation and accused the state administration of not taking adequate steps to check frequent attacks on truck drivers in the state.