Manipur traders demand establishment of Highway Protection Force to ensure safety

IMPHAL —  A five-member delegation of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) Manipur led by its General Secretary L Sotinkumar Singh called on Governor Anusuiya Uikey on Friday and apprised her of the prevailing situation along the national highways in the state.

The delegation told the governor that transporter, drivers and the general public have facing safety issue along the national highways for last many years, especially after unrest broke out in the state last year, and that prices of commodities are skyrocket due extortion, looting, abduction and killings by miscreants.

Demanding the establishment of a dedicated Highway Protection Force at the earliest, the delegation said that it is the only hope for ensuring safety on the national highways.

They also submitted a representation to the governor, requesting to apprise the matter to Prime Minister and Home Minister.

Terming it as a genuine problem, the governor said the state and Central governments have been trying to restore peace and normalcy in the state so that people can live in a peaceful environment.

Issues of extortion, looting and abduction, especially on the highways, etc. have been discussed with the security advisor, Chief Secretary and the chief minister, a press release from the Raj Bhavan said. The delegation was also asked to meet with the security advisor on the matter.