To air their disappointment the transporter attempted to take out a protest rally later in the day but it was foiled by the police.
The meeting held at the MG Avenue office of Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) was organised by the All Manipur Road Transport and Motor Workers Union (AMRTMWU).
Addressing the meeting, TDC vice-president Th Ibohal said that transporters have been transporting goods along Imphal-Jiribam highway since 2010 and people do not need any explanation for the transporters’ preference of Imphal-Jiribam highway over Imphal-Dimapur highway.
Transportation of nine tonnes of goods along Imphal-Jiribam highway by a truck costs around Rs 37,000 but if the truck moves on Imphal-Dimapur highway, the transport charge reaches Rs 60,000.
In spite of the huge difference in the transportation charges, transport contract for Imphal-Jiribam highway was cancelled by the DGM on August 23 last.
For the stand-off between the FCI regional office and tender winners, the authority should not let the truck owners and transporters suffer. The authority should allow transportation of goods along Imphal-Jiribam highway as usual, Ibohal demanded.
The DGM should address the issue immediately. If he is unable to address the issue, he should step down from his post, he added.
For truck owners and drivers, Imphal-Dimapur highway is always risky. A few years back in the backdrop of an indefinite highway blockade imposed by the UNC, the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) based in Nagaland prohibited movement of all trucks bearing Manipur registration numbers in Nagaland. They also set ablaze eight trucks.
Assault and killing of drivers and helpers are regular affairs on Imphal-Dimapur highway.
The recent attempt to transport goods along Imphal-Dimapur highway after abandoning Imphal- Jiribam highway is akin to abetting NSCN-IM in their extortion drive from truck owners, Ibohal said.
After the meeting got over, the gathering marched out towards the Chief Minister’s bungalow but they were blocked by police resulting in a brief stand-off.
Later, six representatives were allowed to proceed and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
Nevertheless, the drivers and transporters shouted many slogans such as “Don’t close NH 37 to FCI transporters”, “Manipur Government should rescue drivers and helpers from the jaws of death”, “Dismiss DGM Thoiba”, “Allow transportation of goods on Imphal-Jiribam highway” etc.
Source: The Sangai Express
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