Stranded truckers draw govt attention for their immediate rescue

212

IMPHAL, Sept 9: More than 300 trucks have been stranded between Bokajan and Dimapur along the National Highway No. 39 for more than one month due to the ongoing economic blockade imposed by the Sadar Hills Districthood Demand Committee (SHDDC) and United Naga Council (UNC).

Local media persons under the aegis of All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU) went for a field tour to Assam and Nagaland.

During the interaction with media persons, the stranded drivers appealed to the authorities concerned to make necessary arrangement to rescue them as soon as possible.

They stated that they are facing many problems pertaining to their shelter, food and medical facilities. They have been stranded in various parts of Assam and Nagaland for more than one month without any assistance from the state government.

16 trucks carrying rice of FCI have been stranded at Dimapur State Transport Complex near Chakasang Colony since July 31.

The drivers are discontented with the attitude of their owners as well as union for their inability to rescue them from such adversities.     

They have started to consume the rice from their trucks as no money is left with them to buy food and medicines.

They said they had even thought of selling the rice in Assam and Nagaland as they have no other option to come out from the stranded place.

The drivers further maintained that they cannot even return to NH-53 even if they wished as road taxes would again be levied on them if they pass through Assam.

They have also been intimated by the FCI officials to unload the rice at Ukhrul godown but they could not do so due to longer distance and high cost of fuel.

On the other hand, former general secretary of Dimapur Meitei Union, Vinod Khaba stated that the drivers are facing problems owing to the abolition of MSRTC at Dimapur due to negligence of the state government.

He appealed to the state government to take up necessary arrangement to rescue the stranded trucks as soon as possible.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here