IMPHAL: The All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers’ Association on Saturday staged a sit-in protest at the Malom Oil Depot gate, demanding stronger security and government assurances following an attack on petroleum product tankers and their drivers along NH-37 in the Noney area on September 10.
The sit-in is part of the association’s ongoing steering-down protest launched after several drivers were injured when a convoy carrying petroleum products came under attack while passing through the Noney area.
Speaking during the protest, association member Shamungou said the drivers were compelled to launch the agitation after the incident left several drivers injured, with some sustaining serious injuries.
One of the injured drivers, Aheibam Punsi from Jiribam, also shared his experience of the incident. Punsi said he was travelling with the petroleum convoy when the vehicles came under attack in the Noney area. He sustained an injury to his head during the incident.
Recounting the incident, Punsi said the situation created serious fear among the drivers, who were transporting petroleum products along the national highway.
The association has demanded a departmental inquiry into the security lapses surrounding the incident. It questioned why adequate security arrangements were not made before the convoy entered the sensitive stretch near Noney Bridge and why proper negotiations were not initiated before the tankers proceeded through the area.
The association also questioned the circumstances under which security personnel allegedly directed the tankers to proceed without prior understanding with those protesting in the area.
It urged the government to strengthen the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the movement of petroleum convoys along NH-37, particularly during bandhs, blockades and protests.
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The drivers have demanded that revised security arrangements be provided in writing before transportation resumes. They have also sought a formal agreement with the government, backed by a Gazette notification, to ensure the safety of drivers and petroleum vehicles.
The association further demanded full compensation without conditions for drivers injured in the incident and for damage caused to the vehicles. It also sought an assurance from the government that attacks on drivers and alleged illegal taxation would not recur.
Shamungou appealed to all communities and protest groups not to target drivers transporting essential commodities.
“Drivers belong to all communities and essential items belong to everyone. Every community should restrain from targeting drivers,” he said.
