Northeast Desk, 16th April: The All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters’ Association (AMPPTA) and All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers Association (AMPPDA) have united in condemnation following the alleged attack on oil tankers along National Highway 37. In response to the incident, the associations have urged the state government to enhance security measures for truck drivers navigating national highways.
After reports emerged of armed assailants targeting oil tankers near Tolen, Keimai along National Highway 37, representatives from both associations convened with Chief Minister N Biren Singh to address their concerns. Highlighting the heightened risks faced by drivers, the associations emphasized the urgent need to bolster security provisions for trucks traversing the highway.
A Tamphayai, President of the All Manipur Petroleum Product Transporter Association, expressed dismay over the incident, labeling it as unfortunate. He revealed that the attack resulted in injuries to two drivers and inflicted damage on five vehicles. Tamphayai attributed the security lapse to a reduction in protection personnel, many of whom were deployed for election duties, leaving gaps vulnerable to exploitation by perpetrators.
In response to the associations’ grievances, Chief Minister N Biren Singh pledged to ramp up security measures to safeguard transporters and their vehicles along National Highway 37.
Following the attack, panic ensued among residents, prompting long queues at oil pumps as people rushed for fuel amid heightened security concerns.
The incident underscores the imperative for robust security arrangements to protect vital transportation routes and ensure the safety of drivers amidst escalating threats along Manipur’s highways.