Newmai News Network
Imphal: Oil tanker drivers staged a demonstration today in front of the government oil depot at Malom in Imphal West district against the recent attack on tankers by suspected militants.
While alleging security lapses were behind the attack, the drivers announced an indefinite cease work strike with effect from today itself.
At least two drivers were injured after they were hit by bullets that rained on a fleet of Imphal-bound oil tankers escorted by CRPF personnel heading for Imphal along NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam section) at a place between Kaiimai and Tollen Kuki village on April 16.
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Since then, the drivers have been abstaining from moving on this section of the highway while demanding adequate security to protect them.
Drawing the attention of the concerned authorities, the oil tanker drivers staged today’s demonstration under the aegis of the All Manipur Petroleum Product Drivers Association (AMPPDA).
Many oil tanker drivers took part in the demonstration staged at the gate of Oil Depot, Malom that started at around 9.30 am.
“SoO expired, we demand shoot at sight,” read one of the placards displayed by the drivers during the protest.
Other placards read “We demand ROP in practice and not as paperwork only”, “Steering down until and unless our demands are met”, “Regular sanitization of NH 37 through ROP before security escorts arrive”, etc.
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Talking to reporters at the protest site, AMPPDA secretary Pukhrambam Tomba announced that the drivers will launch an indefinite “steering down” strike from today while condemning the alleged negligence on the part of the authorities to take up concrete steps for the safety of the drivers of oil tankers.
He said that the drivers were carrying out their duties amid the crisis so as to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities in the state.
Their service is not for a particular community but for all communities living together in the state, he also said. Acknowledging the service of the drivers, the concerned authorities must put in place dedicated security protection for them while moving on the highways, he added.
The Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA) also demanded the setting up of a dedicated security force for the protection of the national highways and also deployment of ambulances and recovery vans on the highways.
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Talking to reporters during a visit to injured driver Tularam who is being treated at a private hospital in Imphal, MDA president Saikhom Babudon said the government must address the demands while considering the plight of the drivers of the vehicles servicing along the national highways.
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