IMPHAL May 5: The All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers and Pullers Welfare Association has imposed a 36 hour general strike in the state beginning from 6 am of May 6.
A press meet held at Sagolsem Mandop, Khuyathong Pukhri Achouba by the association secretary Th Basanta states that the state government has not provided any parking space for the rickshaws in the bazaar area and no alternative arrangement have been made.
The conduct of the state authorities was decried by the association in the purview that the workings of the rickshaw pullers who are earning minimum wages have been affected immensely.
Further he states that for a deliberation on the issue, the association was intimated by additional SP of Imphal West for mediatory talks, however the president of the association L Subhas and deputy secretary A G Gaffar was arrested by the police after going to attend the said meeting.
Decrying the strong arm methods imposed by the concerned state authorities with a complete disregard for the welfare of the rickshaw pullers, it was unanimously decided to observe a 36 hour general strike. The association demands that the arrested duo be released unconditionally and for the state authorities to give the rickshaws a parking area.