While demanding to conduct departmental enquiry in connection with the recent Keithelmanbi incident wherein oil tank drivers were assaulted, JAC against January 21, 2022 Security Lapses on Petroleum Products reiterated to accomplish their demand on or before February 10.
During a press conference at Manipur Press Club on Friday, JAC convenor A Tamphayai recalled the unfortunate incident which occurred on the midnight of January 21 at Keithelmanbi under Kangpokpi district. Escorted petroleum product tankers were damaged and drivers were physically injured by the bandh supporters due to security lapse on the part of security personnel on the national highway (NH2).
A telephonic meeting was held on January 28 among office bearers of associations of HPCL, BPCL, IOCL, and Nayara Energy and all Manipur LPG distributors, bullet, tankers transporters and driver association, all related to petroleum products, he said.
He said they resolved to demand to enforce all norms and regulations of a Highway on NH 2 in our state. There is complete lack of signage of speed limit, curves, School village ahead, etc.
All the members of the associations unanimously appealed to the government of Manipur to make serious efforts so that such incidents do not occur again in the future. It is extremely necessary to ensure safety of the drivers and the petroleum product tankers, he added.
He continued that it was also resolved that an enquiry should be initiated by the state government on or before February 10 to book the culprits at the earliest. Earlier, they demanded to carry out the probe on or before January 31 but they extended to February 10.
If the authorities concerned fail to take up action even after the extended dateline, various forms of agitation will be launched, he warned.
The JAC also demanded to enforce Section 144 of Cr.P.C along the NH-2 whenever bandhs are called by civil society organizations for the safety of the drivers and Oil Tankers.
