Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: Nine transport bodies are threatening to pull their tankers off the road. The groups issued an ultimatum to Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Wednesday. They demand an end to illegal extortion on National Highway 37 by July 30. Failure to act will trigger a full work stoppage on July 31.
Drivers ferrying petroleum, oil, lubricants, and LPG between Imphal and Jiribam face regular shakedowns. These tankers move under Central Reserve Police Force escorts, but the security cover fails to stop the looting. Almost 100 tankers travel in every convoy. Each vehicle remains a target.
The financial toll is massive. "Initially, the amount collected was Rs 200 per truck, but it has now increased to Rs 7,000 per truck," the memorandum stated. Beyond the primary levy, drivers face specific demands at checkpoints. Operators report paying 500 rupees at Awangkhul. On the return trip, costs spike. They pay 5,000 rupees at Oinamlong, 3,500 rupees at Kambiron, and between 500 and 1,200 rupees at Noney, Nungba, and Jiribam Parking. Freight rates are fixed by oil companies. Transporters cannot recover these losses.
Ethnic violence in the state started in May 2023. This conflict forced the current reliance on security-escorted convoys. Passenger vehicle operators have also joined the call for help. They face stranded vehicles at New Keithelmanbi. These operators demand dedicated security escorts for their routes to Tamenglong, Nungba, Noney, and Jiribam. They refuse to rely on commercial truck convoys any longer.
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