Photo Courtesy: nenews
Imphal: Nine transport groups, including the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association, issued a deadline to the state government. They will stop moving fuel and LPG on July 31 unless officials crack down on illegal highway shakedowns. The group filed a formal memorandum with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday.
Tankers travel the Imphal to Jiribam route under Central Reserve Police Force escort. These security measures started in May 2023 when ethnic violence broke out in the region. Despite the military presence, drivers still face constant demands for cash from unidentified miscreants along National Highway 37. Convoy operations typically include nearly 100 tankers, with every truck targeted by extortionists.
Costs have skyrocketed. Extortion fees started at 200 rupees per vehicle but have jumped to 7,000 rupees. The associations stated, "The continued financial burden has become unsustainable and called for immediate intervention to ensure the safe and uninterrupted transportation of essential fuel supplies in the state."
Transporters claim they have repeatedly warned authorities about the shakedowns, yet nothing changed. The groups gave the state until July 30 to clear the road. If the government fails to act, they will pull their trucks off the highway the following day.
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