Manipur: 1,500 Trucks Stranded Along Assam Border as Transporters Demand Security Escorts
Jiribam, Manipur: Nearly 1,500 trucks and fuel tankers remained stranded along the Assam-Manipur border as transporters and drivers intensified their demand for adequate security escorts to safely move their vehicles towards Imphal.
The situation escalated on Tuesday when a large number of stranded truckers and tanker drivers gathered at the Jiribam police station, protesting against what they described as inadequate security arrangements for vehicles waiting to proceed along National Highway 37 (NH-37).
NH-37 is a crucial route connecting Imphal with Silchar through Jiribam and serves as an important supply corridor for Manipur.
Transporters Protest at Jiribam Police Station
The protest began at around 9 am, after drivers became frustrated over the deployment of only one security convoy despite a request for two convoys.
The stranded transporters demanded that authorities either arrange the second security escort requested by the state police or allow them to proceed along the highway without official protection.
The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) has maintained that the government must take immediate steps to ensure the safe movement of the stranded vehicles.
Nearly 1,500 Vehicles Stranded for Over 15 Days
According to transporters, around 1,500 loaded trucks and fuel tankers have been stranded for more than 15 days along a roughly 20-kilometre stretch of NH-37 between Jiribam and adjoining areas of Assam.
The prolonged stoppage has reportedly created serious difficulties for drivers and handymen, many of whom are running short of food and money while remaining away from their homes for an extended period.
The transporters have urged authorities to resolve the situation quickly and provide adequate security so that essential goods and fuel can reach Manipur.
TDC Maintains Five-Day Ultimatum
TDC President Hijam Ranjit said the organisation’s five-day ultimatum to the state government remains unchanged.
Ranjit warned that if adequate security escorts are not arranged before the deadline, transporters may decide to move their vehicles towards Imphal with or without official security protection.
He further cautioned that the government would be held responsible for any untoward incident or security failure if drivers are compelled to travel along the highway without armed escorts.
First Convoy of 150 Vehicles Dispatched
Earlier on Tuesday, security forces dispatched a convoy comprising 150 vehicles.
The convoy included 85 fuel tankers and 65 goods trucks, according to the transporters.
However, the deployment of only one convoy reportedly triggered frustration among the stranded drivers, who had been seeking the deployment of two security convoys.
CRPF Deploys Second Convoy
Following the protest at the Jiribam police station, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) deployed a second convoy at around 2 pm.
The additional convoy helped temporarily ease tensions among the protesting transporters and drivers.
However, TDC representatives maintained that the deployment did not completely resolve their concerns.
They reiterated that transporters could still be forced to move independently if the authorities fail to provide sufficient and reliable security arrangements for the remaining vehicles.
Security Concerns Along NH-37
The prolonged stranding of trucks has highlighted continuing security concerns along NH-37, one of the major highways supplying Manipur.
Transporters have repeatedly stressed that drivers need adequate protection while travelling through vulnerable stretches of the highway, particularly amid the prevailing security situation in the state.
The disruption has also raised concerns over the movement of fuel, food, construction materials and other essential commodities into Manipur.
Government Faces Pressure to Ensure Safe Movement
With thousands of people directly affected by the prolonged blockade of vehicles, pressure is mounting on the state government and security agencies to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement along the highway.
The TDC has made clear that it expects the authorities to provide adequate security before the stranded vehicles resume their journey towards Imphal.
For now, the deployment of the second convoy has eased the immediate tension, but the larger issue of safely clearing the remaining stranded vehicles remains unresolved.
Disclaimer: Details regarding the number of stranded vehicles, security arrangements and the TDC’s ultimatum are based on information and statements attributed to transporters and officials. Further developments may change the situation.
