IT News
Imphal, Jan 14,
Fitting tributes were paid today to the highway brave hearts who had sacrifices their lives while transporting essential commodities for the people of the state along the National Highways. Yes, they are drivers who struggled all odds in time of month long blockades, courageously challenge the extortionists and facing all sort of trouble either from the state actors or the non state actors for the sake of the common people.
January 14, every year is observed as the Drivers’ Day and many Drivers’ and transporters bodies in the state today observed the day. Manipur Drivers’ Welfare Association, observed the day at Meino Leirak Maning Leikai Chaokhat Thourang Lup in Imphal West.
MLA RK Imo who attended the observance as the Chief Guest expressed shocked on learning that there is no welfare schemes for the drivers.
“It is very unfortunate that there aren’t any welfare schemes for the drivers of the state”, RK Imo said.
Highlighting the problem faced by the drivers, MLA RK Imo said that a welfare scheme for the drivers should be a top priority for the government. And even if the labour law doesn’t include for the welfare of the drivers it should also be amended to include them or a new scheme for the welfare of the drivers should be initiated, he added.
RK Imo assured that he will urge to propose a welfare scheme for the drivers in the upcoming budget session.
Regarding Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) issue, RK Imo said that the Congress Party stands firmly against the Bill and appeal people to stand against the bill knowing its impact irrespective of the differences in political ideology.
He also said that it would be better if the bill is discussed in the select committee of Rajya Sabha previously and to know the impact of it before passing in the Rajya Sabha.
Moirangthem Angamba Meitei, Advisor of DESAM, who also attended the observance, said that the government should recognize the sacrifice the drivers of the state had made for the welfare of the state. A welfare policy for them should be implemented by the government at the earliest. Everyone will die of hunger if the driver’s cease to work and our food supply is brought only through the two national highways, he added.
Angamba also said that the drivers should be treated equally like the others who have sacrificed their lives for the welfare of the state.
He also urged people to stand against the CAB and if such bill becomes an act the indigenous people will be wiped out from the state, the people will eventually become a slave in its own homeland.
And if the Trans Asian Railway is finished the impact of it will be monstrous, he added.
The observance was also attended by President of Manipur Drivers’ Welfare Association Babudhon Shaikhuba as President and President of All Manipur Transport Co-op. Societies Association Ngangom Haridash, President of Meino Leirak Maning Leikai Chaokhat Thourang Lup Singham Ghanasyam and Advisor of DESAM Moirangthem Angamba Meitei as Guest of Honours.
