Imphal: Vehicle movement along NH-37, the Imphal-Silchar route through Jiribam, resumed on August 20 after the Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) withdrew its strike following assurances from the state government and security agencies.
TDC president Hijam Ranjit said the decision was taken after a meeting on August 19 with the Chief Minister, Director General of Police (DGP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) officials.
According to Ranjit, authorities assured the TDC that the Jiribam Superintendent of Police would be directed to prevent harassment of drivers. Officials also promised to clear all stranded vehicles within two to three days.
The government further agreed to ensure that properly deployed Road Opening Parties (ROPs) precede vehicle convoys before they move under security escort.
The assurances came amid growing resentment over the conduct of the Jiribam SP. On August 18, the TDC had accused the officer of selectively targeting drivers over alleged excess loading of vehicles.
The issue intensified on August 19 when drivers staged a sit-in at Babupara in Jiribam, seeking the immediate transfer of the district SP. The protest was supported by the All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union (AJRTDU).
The drivers alleged that the SP was issuing challans arbitrarily and behaving in a manner that discouraged drivers from outside Manipur from operating along the NH-37 corridor.
AJRTDU general secretary Kh Gopeshore also questioned the movement of around 200 vehicles from Jiribam without security escort on August 19. He said the Jiribam SP would be responsible for any untoward incident involving the vehicles.
The transporters’ body has urged the state government to replace the SP with an officer who can work more effectively with drivers and transport operators, stressing the need to maintain the movement of essential commodities along the highway.