By Okram Bimol
IMPHAL, January 13: In acknowledgement and remembrance of the sacrifices and dedication of drivers while executing their duties of ferrying passengers and transporting commodities into the state; various associations and unions of drivers in the state are set to observe the Drivers’ Day at different places of the state today. Whenever there has any kind of disruption in the state like blockades, bandhs and violent agitations on the roads and highways of the state, the drivers and the transporters have always been the ones to face the brunt of agitators. While the whole state stays at a standstill during any major upheavals, the transporters have to go on with their duties as the people of the state depend on them for everything that they use, starting from essential commodities.
Leaving their families behind so that they can contribute to ensure that there is enough stock of essential commodities in the state for the people, many drivers have served the state and its people driving trough difficult terrain and braving seasonal odds on the roads.
Speaking to IFP, a driver plying on the national highways spoke on the grounds of anonymity about being harassed by various anti social elements during their `runs` and how they are easy targets for both police as well as other non state armed groups. He said, ” Every check point means lesser money in our hands and police or other people on duty at the check points take their pocket money from us but the worst are those belonging to armed groups who cannot even engage in a decent conversation, mush less listen to us.” He continued, saying,” Life on the highways is very tough considering the political situation in the state and we literally have our lives at risk but we have to do this to sustain our families.”
The Drivers Day which is being organized in various parts of Manipur has been observed every January 14 since 1990.