Steering down strike called off

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IMPHAL, October 17: The steering down protest of the petroleum tankers who have been demanding separate dedicated CRPF escort today called off its agitation following an official order released by the Director General of Police (DGP) Manipur, in favour of the tankers.

It may be noted that the petroleum tankers stopped plying since October 10 in protest, under the aegis of the All Manipur Petroleum Transporters`™ Association (AMPTA) and All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers`™ Union (AMPTDU).

Speaking to IFP, Bhupenchandra Ghosh, executive members transporters union, stated that the factors that have led to the demand included establishing of five more check posts within Nagaland and exorbitant taxes imposed by these check posts.

He also elaborated that the FCS trucks sanctioned to lift only 9 tonnes worth commodities however the trucks are made to ferry goods over 20 tonnes at a time.

This has prompted the check post to impose additional fine of Rs. 500. Taking the advantage, these check posts started imposing taxes on the petroleum tankers, he said.

`Our main demands was reduction of the number of check posts and allotment of separate escorts`, continued Bhupenchandra.

He recalled that on September 1, 2014 representatives of AMPTA and AMPTDU, met with the Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi. The meeting was also attended by Minister of CAF&PD and DGP wherein the transporters reportedly served an ultimatum apprising of their collective plight.

Similar meeting was also held on September 19 afternoon, at the CAF&PD Minister`™s chamber. The same day, the transporter also met with the DGP, he said.

Despite repeated appraisal the Government remained indifferent following which it launch `steering down` protest, he added.

On October 13 another reminder was sent by the transporters. Moreover, endorsing the demands the same day, a senior depot manager of IOC, wrote to the CAF&P Minister, Chief Secretary and DGP to provide dedicated escort for the petroleum tankers.

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