IMPHAL, May 14: The Manipur Drivers’ Welfare Association and the Highway Truck Owners` Welfare Organization today held a joint press conference at the Manipur Press Club alleging that commando personnel in civvies from the Patsoi Commando barracks had misbehaved with two truck drivers on May 13 in between 7:30pm and 8:30pm near the Patsoi Commando barracks.
Speaking at the conference, spokesperson Laishram Ratan Khuman said the association have submitted a memorandum to the state Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who also holds the Home portfolio demanding action against the commandos at the earliest.
Elaborating further on the incident, he said Md Sultan, the driver of a truck bearing regd no MN 04A 2568 was riding his vehicle laden with cement from Jiribam towards Imphal and on reaching Patsoi Commando Barracks area, some personnel of the commandos dressed in civil attire stopped the truck for checking.
He further alleged that the commandos in civvies demanded a sum of Rs 500 or five bags of cement.
In the ensuing tussle, the CDOs allegedly beat up the driver resulting in loss/difficulty of hearing of the left ear of Md Sultan, he alleged backing his statement with medical reports.
He further alleged that Md Sultan was let go after a thorough beating and a sum of Rs 300 was forcibly taken away from him.
The spokesperson also continued that again at around 8:30pm, another driver coming on his truck MN 01 6808 laden with rice and cement went through a similar fate.
He identified the driver as one Joy Namoijam and said he too was assaulted near the CDO barrack. He also experienced difficulty in hearing on his left ear and was ultimately made to pay Rs 300.
He continued that the association has also enclosed an audio recording of the episode between Joy Namoijam and the CDO personnel along with the memorandum submitted to the Dy Chief Minister.