In Manipur, drivers of petroleum products have instantly ended their strike. This decision comes after Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh provided vital guarantees along with monetary relief for drivers who sustained severe wounds during their duties. The resolution brings significant relief to the region, which had been facing supply anxieties due to the transport halt.
Resumption of Essential Fuel Deliveries
Following this development, the transport operators announced they would immediately restart the loading of fuel, including petrol and diesel, at the Malom Depot. Additionally, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) operations at the Sekmai Bottling Plant are set to resume. The drivers have agreed to begin moving these loaded essential commodities along the route from Jiribam to Imphal, restoring the flow of crucial energy resources to the state capital and surrounding areas.
Preconditions for Empty Convoy Operations
While loaded tankers are moving again, the resolution is only partial. Drivers of petroleum tankers and LPG bullet trucks have decided not to participate in empty convoys for the time being. This suspension of empty convoy movements will remain active until a formal discussion takes place between the transport association, Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, and other relevant stakeholders. This critical negotiation is scheduled to happen on or before September 15, aiming to resolve outstanding safety and operational issues.
Deep-Seated Concerns Over Highway Safety
The strike was initially triggered by deep-seated anxieties regarding the safety of transport workers on Manipur's national highways. Navigating these crucial arterial roads has become increasingly perilous, with drivers exposing themselves to various dangers while ensuring the delivery of essential commodities. Expressing gratitude, the drivers acknowledged the prompt intervention of the Chief Minister and welcomed the compensatory measures announced for injured personnel.
A Public Appeal and Apology
In a public message, the drivers extended their apologies for the disruptions caused to ordinary citizens during the agitation. They also thanked the public and various local organisations for understanding their plight. The drivers made a strong plea to all local committees and ethnic communities across Manipur, requesting them to refrain from targeting supply vehicles during future blockades, bandhs, or civil protests. They highlighted that because drivers and the goods they carry serve every community without bias, they should be protected from targeted violence on the highways.
