Nearly 100 Vehicles Stranded on NH-102 as Manipur Drivers Launch Strike

Nearly 100 vehicles — including goods-laden trucks and LPG tankers — were left stranded along National Highway 102 (NH-102) at the Manipur–Nagaland border as drivers mounted an indefinite strike in protest against the alleged assault of a truck driver, Ashepri David, at the Sapermeina police check gate. The strike was organized by the Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA), which is demanding the suspension of the officers involved and action against routine extortion at police checkpoints. The protest has halted movement on the route and left supply chains tense while officials and union leaders haggle over next steps.

Early reports and on-the-ground updates show nearly 100 vehicles — a mix of heavy goods carriers, tankers and smaller delivery trucks — stranded at points along NH-102 as drivers enforced an indefinite strike called by the Manipur Drivers’ Association. The immediate trigger was an alleged physical assault of one driver, Ashepri David, at around 7:30 am near the Sapermeina police check gate, after a dispute over an entry fee. Drivers say he was allegedly beaten by three police personnel in front of the officer-in-charge; the OC reportedly did not intervene. Outrage spread through driver unions and truck owners’ associations, and the strike was called to demand disciplinary action and an end to what they claim is routine extortion at check posts.

FAQs

Q1: Why were nearly 100 vehicles stranded on NH-102?
A1: Drivers launched an indefinite strike after a truck driver, Ashepri David, was allegedly assaulted by three personnel at the Sapermeina police check gate. The Manipur Drivers’ Association organized the strike, demanding suspension of the accused officers and action on alleged routine extortion at check posts.

Q2: Which organizations joined the protest and what are their demands?
A2: The strike was led by the Manipur Drivers’ Association (MDA) and backed by district unions like the Senapati District Truck Owners’ Association (SDTOA) and the Senapati District Truck Drivers Union (SDTDU). They demand suspension of the personnel involved in the alleged assault, a probe into the incident, and systemic action against unofficial entry fees and extortion.

Q3: How does a highway strike affect everyday life in the region?
A3: Stranded trucks disrupt supplies of food, LPG, fuel and medical goods; perishable items spoil; prices can rise, and businesses face delivery failures. Because the Northeast has limited alternate routes, disruptions have outsized local economic effects.

Q4: What immediate steps can authorities take to ease the situation?
A4: Authorities can open a fast, independent inquiry into the assault allegations, set up temporary safe corridors for essential cargo, launch a grievance hotline for drivers, and promise concrete reforms (CCTV, receipts at check posts) to prevent recurrence.

Q5: Is this an isolated incident or part of a bigger pattern on Northeast highways?
A5: It fits a broader pattern: the Northeast has repeatedly seen vehicles stranded due to landslides, blockades and protests on critical arteries like NH-102, NH-2 and NH-37. The pattern shows both infrastructural vulnerability and recurring institutional grievances that require structural fixes.