Truckers Cry For Security on Choked Manipur Highways

Imphal, Sep 9 : Hundreds of truck drivers, who are facing their toughest time to carry essential commodities to Manipur in the face of the intensified economic blockade on national highways by two civil groups, have urged the state government to deploy maximum forces along the route.

Leaders of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union even claimed involvement of unidentified armed persons in torching loaded trucks on NH-53 connecting Imphal and Silchar .

The truckers even threatened to tie up with the Transporters and Drivers' Council to decide on their future course of action if the government fails to provide adequate security along the highway. In pursuit of its long-standing demand to create Sadar Hills district, the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee (SHDDC) has been imposing economic blockade on NH-39 (Imphal-Dimapur route) and NH053 since August 1.

The United Naga Council (UNC), which is protesting against the state government's alleged attempt to bifurcate Naga-dominated areas to create new districts in Manipur, has also imposed similar blockades alongh the highways and there's no sign of suspension of agitation by both the groups.

Since NH-39, the key supply route of the state, has already been chocked by the agitators, the government has brought commodities along the deplorable NH-53 under heavy security arrangements. Despite the security measures, three loaded trucks were set ablaze on Wednesday night by suspected bandh supporters on the route considered the second life-line of the state. The Centre has asked the state to extend all co-operation towards the Border Roads Task Force in constructing and maintaining NH 53.