Addressing the media on the sidelines of the function, Anil said that drivers and handymen plying along NHs 37 and 39 play an important role in importing daily commodities in the state. Without them, life would be almost impossible but they continue to face many challenges in carrying out their services despite threats, ransoms from miscreants.

Such inhumane activities will continue to take place when the conditions of the road are in a bad shape, Anil said. Therefore, the state government should be concerned about improving all the national highways, he further said and appreciated the construction of two bridges along the Imphal-Jiribam route. However, some part of the road in this route is in a worse state, Anil lamented, adding that roads near Tadubi area of Imphal-Dimapur highways are also in dilapidated condition.

Recalling the incident of January 14, 1990, Anil informed that Drivers' Day was observed in remembrance of brave drivers who staged a protest at Koirengei airfield on the said date against the atrocities committed against innocent drivers.

He further narrated about the untoward incident which occurred in June 1994 wherein a handyman, who was also a student, was mercilessly killed in Zubza, Nagaland. Following the incident, enraged drivers carried out protests against the incident, he said. This will remain a historic event to drivers of the State, he added.

He also appealed to every section of society to stop harassing, threatening and taking ransom from drivers or handymen and rather extend love and compassion as the service rendered by them is not an easy task.

As a part of the programme, floral tributes were paid to the late drivers and handyman.