IMPHAL, April 27: The Tiddim Line Tata Magic and Winger Joint Co-ordinating Committee today staged a sit in protest at Imoinu Keithel at Keinou under Bishnupur district demanding a feasible parking lot for them in the Wahengbam Leikai Lairembi area.
The drivers had started a cease work strike since April 25 and threatened to further launch other stronger forms of agitations including an indefinite bandh along the Tiddim Road from April 29, if the State government fails to give positive response by April 28.
The committee was form by over 500 drivers of both Tata Magic and Winger passenger vehicles plying along Tiddim road upto Laimaram, Oinam, Keinou, Bishnupur, Ngachou, Ningthoukhong, Moirang, Thanga, Kumbi etc.
Speaking to media persons at their protest site, committee advisor L Surjit said that government has allocated the parking area at Wahengbam Leikai.
However, on account of the ongoing construction of drainage, retaining wall along the Nambol River bank, the parking has been temporary shifted near the Cheirap Court, Jiri-parking and again at Sagolband (present parking).
The drivers are unhappy with the continued changing of parking space which is creating inconveniences to the general public, passengers and drivers alike, he added.
He claimed that the present allocation of parking at Sagolband along Imphal-Jiri road is creating more inconveniences not only to the drivers but also to the passengers.
Police personnel posted their charge Rs 10 from the Tata Magic vehicles and Rs 50 from the Wingers whenever they come to pick up passengers there, while the traffic police charge them Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for every traffic rule violation, he claimed.
He said the concerned authorities have been approached several times to re-allocate their parking space at Wahengbam Leikai which have been neglected till date.
Now, the drivers are compelled to take further course of action against the government inaction, he said.