IMPHAL, June 20: A large number of womenfolk from Khongjom today forced Interstate bus ticket counters to close shop in connection with the alleged kidnapping of driver Thokchom Ingobi by suspected KCP MC (Langamba Khuman).
The counters had remained opened even after the All Manipur Night Super Drivers Welfare Association, Manipur had suspended all services demanding the safe release of the kidnapped driver since yesterday.
Thokchom Ingobi 45 of Khongjom Mamang Leikai, a driver of Zet travel was allegedly abducted during the intervening night of June 13 and 14 from a hotel at Jakhlabanda by suspected KCP MC (Langamba Khuman).
Speaking to the media at the protest site, Ingobi’s wife, Ranjana appealed to all concerned for her husband’s safe release and said that he was the only bead earner for her family.
She pleaded that her family was facing utmost difficulties and hardships in his absence.
A day after Ingobi was kidnapped, his phone has remained in switch off mode till date, she lamented.
Around 10am today, a large number of womenfolk from Khongjom led by the Khongjom Circle meira Paibi Forum came in two buses to the North AOC booking counters and forced the counters to close.
They later staged a sit in protest in front of the booking counters.
A meira paibi protestor told the media that they had come to Imphal along with family members and kin of the kidnapped driver on learning that certain bus counters are still open and plying along the Imphal Dimapur and Imphal Guwahati routes.
She said after closing the counters, some of them had gone to Sekmai in a bid to stop the interstate vehicles that had already left for their destinations.
The drivers are not the owners and they are only providing their services without any hesitation and fear day and night to feed their family, she observed.
Meanwhile, according to sources, some Tata Wingers continue to ply along the highway despite the agitation.