LPG truck drivers in Manipur have initiated a strike after one of their colleague
Short Summary
LPG truck drivers in Manipur have initiated a strike after one of their colleagues, Khumukcham Heroijit, was allegedly assaulted on June 14 by “tipsy” armed men, suspected to be Manipur police commandos. The assailants reportedly blocked the driver’s path near the Sekmai gas bottling plant, physically attacked him with an iron lever, and brandished a revolver, causing injuries that required medical attention In protest, about 150 petroleum tankers have been halted on NH 37, disrupting LPG, petrol, and diesel supplies across Imphal West. The drivers demand strict action against the offending policemen, but remain unconvinced by government assurances so far
LPG Truck Drivers on Strike in Manipur After Assault by Alleged Intoxicated Commandos
Introduction
Ever thought about life through the lens of an LPG truck driver? It might not make headlines, but it keeps your kitchen humming. Recently in Manipur, these drivers—everyday heroes—have been forced to down their hoses and park their tanks in protest. Why? One of their own was allegedly beaten by “tipsy” policemen armed with a revolver. Sounds like a nightmare, right? Let’s unpack this unraveling drama.
1. Who Are the Heroes on Wheels?
These aren’t just drivers—they’re lifelines for Manipur, transporting LPG, petrol, and diesel from Assam to households, businesses, and hospitals across Imphal. Day and night, they brave roads, weather, and sometimes conflict, all to keep our stoves lit and engines running . Yet, this incident has shaken them to their core.
2. What Exactly Happened on June 14?
Picture this: Heroijit, an LPG driver from Kakching Khunou, finishes unloading at Sekmai bottling plant and heads home. Suddenly, a Scorpio SUV blocks his way. Two intoxicated men in half-uniform step out, wielding an iron bar—and a revolver. They physically beat him, struck his head and hand, firing a cartridge near his temple. Blood flowed, stitches followed, and the assailants vanished into thin air
3. Why Is This Shocking?
- The weapon: Revolvers aren’t playground toys. Assaulting someone with one? That’s life-threatening.
- The uniform: If true, they were law enforcers—people meant to protect. Yet here they were, playing rogue.
- The context: Heroijit was unarmed, just doing his job. Crossing hoses shouldn’t cost you your safety.
4. The Strike That Rocked NH 37
Anger found a channel. Around 150 tankers have parked in protest from Moirang to New Keithelmanbi, disrupting fuel and LPG supplies since June 18. Drivers have given a 48-hour ultimatum demanding action—until then, no movement, no deliveries, and certainly no silence.
5. What Are Drivers Demanding?
- Immediate termination of the cops involved.
- Strict legal action—charges, trial, punishment.
- Formal apology and assurance of safety for all petroleum drivers.
- Functional grievance redressal mechanism—because this shouldn’t be a one-off scandal.
6. Ripple Effects Across Manipur
- Panic buying: News of the strike sparked hoarding of fuel and LPG—even hospital ambulances feel the pinch .
- Supply chain breakdown: Everything from food to transport may get bogged down without fuel.
- Trust digression: If cops harass drivers, who’s safe? Not just drivers, but all citizens relying on public services.
7. Why Now, Why Violence?
This isn’t an isolated incident. In past years, LPG drivers were assaulted near gas plants—by suspicious individuals, sometimes insurgents or rogue elements Yet today rings louder—it’s not insurgents, but suspected police. It’s an erosion of tight-knit trust between transporters and authority.
FAQs
1. Why are LPG drivers so critical to Manipur?
They ferry essential fuels like LPG, petrol, and diesel—fueling homes, vehicles, businesses, and hospitals. A strike halts these lifelines.
2. What evidence supports the police-involvement allegation?
Witnesses say the men were in half-uniform, armed with an officer’s revolver. The attack followed a blockade by a Scorpio vehicle. Heroijit’s medical report confirms head injuries requiring stitches
3. Have authorities responded yet?
Only with vague assurances—they’ve not arrested or suspended anyone, prompting drivers to escalate protests .
4. What does the strike’s future look like?
Indefinite—for now. Supply resumes only after concrete action—the driver unions aren’t budging.
5. Could this spark larger unrest?
If unresolved, the strike’s ripple effects—supply disruption, public panic, bureaucratic distrust—could pile pressure on the administration, forcing a showdown.
