Imphal: Armed gangs are shaking down truckers on National Highway-37. Transporters report that gunmen stop vehicles to demand illegal taxes despite the presence of security escorts. The Kaiphundai-Makhru stretch is the current hot spot for this shakedown. Drivers say the lack of Road Opening Party teams leaves them exposed to theft.
Security on the state supply route is failing. Criminals ignore official escorts to target transport vehicles. This harassment has drivers scared. It stops essential goods from reaching their destination in Manipur. Transporters say the situation mirrors similar spikes in extortion seen during April and May this year. Authorities have yet to solve the problem.
Transporters are calling for action. They want the government to investigate these lapses immediately. The truckers argue that officials must deploy more teams to guard the vulnerable road sections. One representative stated, "Calling NH-37 the lifeline of Manipur, transporters demanded immediate deployment of Road Opening Party teams in vulnerable stretches, strengthened convoy protection and enhanced security measures to ensure the safe and uninterrupted movement of goods."
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