Imphal: Lorry drivers in Jiribam took to the streets today, demanding the immediate transfer of Superintendent of Police Prakhar Pande. Members of the All Jiribam Road Transport Drivers Union staged the protest outside Congress Bhawan on August 19. They claim local police are making their jobs impossible.
Drivers hauling essential goods into Manipur report persistent harassment upon entering the district. They endure long waits for security escorts and frequent, aggressive checks for overloading. The union also claims the SP blocked their welfare fund, which collects Rs 100 per driver to assist in emergencies. Union General Secretary Kh. Gopeshwar Singh wants an officer who actually listens.
Drivers from outside the state report no such issues elsewhere in the country. Hari Sagar Singh, a trucker from Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the frustration of these encounters. He said the treatment by police had crossed a line, noting, "the drivers coming from different states had not encountered any major problems while travelling through other parts of the country."
The union is now providing support to these stranded drivers. The truckers remain united in the capital of the district. They refuse to resume their haul until the union gives the order.
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