Reported by Bit Irom
Imphal: The Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association has demanded the immediate transfer of the Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Keithelmanbi Police Station, alleging misconduct and intimidation of truck drivers along National Highway-37, a key supply route connecting Imphal with Silchar in Assam.
The demand comes amid efforts by security agencies to ensure the safe movement of 450 vehicles carrying essential commodities through the highway corridor on Monday.
Addressing the media, association president Hijam Ranjit alleged that a number of goods-laden vehicles were stranded at Keithelmanbi due to a local blockade. He claimed that despite being informed in advance about the scheduled movement of the convoy, the district police and the OC of Keithelmanbi Police Station failed to take timely measures to clear the route and facilitate the vehicles’ passage.
Ranjit further alleged that the police officer discouraged drivers from proceeding towards Jiribam and created an atmosphere of fear among transporters instead of assisting them.
According to the association, the stranded vehicles were able to resume their journey only after personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Rapid Action Force (RAF) arrived at the spot and intervened to restore movement along the highway.
The association termed the incident a case of “gross negligence and misconduct” and held both the Kangpokpi district Superintendent of Police and the Keithelmanbi Police Station OC responsible for the delays faced by transporters.
Warning of agitation if their demand is not met, the association said it may launch a series of protests, including a “hands-off steering wheel” movement, which would disrupt transportation services across the state.
The truckers’ body also urged the state government to ensure uninterrupted and secure movement of vehicles on all highways, particularly those transporting essential commodities.
Meanwhile, security measures along NH-37 have been intensified. According to police, authorities have established 114 checkpoints, or nakas, across sensitive areas and are providing security escorts and convoy protection to vehicles travelling through vulnerable stretches of the highway.
Officials said the enhanced security arrangements enabled the safe passage of 450 vehicles carrying essential supplies on Monday. Security forces are also continuing search operations and area domination exercises in fringe and vulnerable areas across both hill and valley districts to maintain law and order.