The AMPPDA has called off its steering-down strike following assurances from Manipur CM Y Khemchand Singh but will await a stakeholder meeting before resuming petroleum transportation.
IMPHAL — The All Manipur Petroleum Product Drivers’ Association (AMPPDA) has called off its steering-down strike with immediate effect following an agreement with Chief Minister Y Khemchand Singh over the attack on oil tanker drivers in the Noney area along NH-37.
However, the drivers will not resume transportation of petroleum tankers and LPG bullets until a meeting is held between the concerned stakeholders and the chief minister.
“We’re expecting a stakeholder meeting with the government authority on September 15,” an AMPPDA functionary said.
The functionary added that, failing the meeting, the drivers would resume loading petrol and diesel from the Malom depot and LPG from the Sekmai bottling plant, besides transporting loaded petroleum products from Jiribam to Imphal.
The AMPPDA launched the steering-down strike on Thursday, demanding free passage for oil tankers along the highway. The association maintained that its drivers belong to all communities and that petroleum products are essential commodities for all communities.
In a press note issued on Sunday, the association stated that the decision to withdraw the protest followed assurances from the chief minister and the announcement of monetary compensation for grievously injured drivers.
The association expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public during the strike and thanked people for their support to drivers facing hardships along the National Highway.
It also appealed to all communities and committees in Manipur to refrain from targeting drivers transporting essential commodities.
“Drivers belong to all communities, and the essential items belong to all communities,” the association said, urging all communities not to target drivers in the future.
Meanwhile, the Manipur IOCL Retail Outlet Dealers Association urged Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the government to take immediate and appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of drivers and helpers during petroleum transportation.
The association also urged the IOCL and the government to maintain adequate fuel stock at the Malom oil depot, which plays a critical role in ensuring the state’s fuel security, through timely and increased replenishment.
Manipur has 227 retail outlets, including 157 IOCL outlets.