IMPHAL, August 19 MNS NNN: The Imphal-Moreh Road Transporters\u2019 Union has called for an indefinite strike by ceasing passenger service along Imphal-Moreh road (National Highway-2) from 5 am tomorrow, Tuesday to lodge protest against the killing of van driver Okram Gyanendra.
\nDriver associations in Manipur, meanwhile, condemned the killing of driver Gyannendra.
\nGyanendra aged 35, was reportedly shot dead inside his own passenger van by unknown persons last afternoon in the Naran Konjin Palli area under Wangoi Police Station in Thoubal district of Manipur. He was a native of Singjamei Okram Leikai here.
\nMeanwhile, the blockade enforced by the locals along Imphal-Moreh road section in Singjamei area after the killing affected normal life in the area.
\nThe Singjamei market was shut down due to the protest. The traffic along the route was disrupted due to the blockade.
\nAt the same time, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was also formed in connection with the death. Memorandums were also submitted to the state Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister as well by the JAC. It demanded among others, the state Government to identify the culprits within three days.
\nA joint meeting of the Imphal-Moreh Road Transporters\u2019 Union and All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union was held at Moreh Parking, Hicham Yaicham Pat Yaiskul here. It decided to call for the indefinite strike to stop passenger service along the Imphal-Moreh road from tomorrow to protest the driver Gyanendra killing.
\nThe driver bodies observed a two-minute silence to show respect to the late driver during the joint meeting, Ng Haridash, general secretary, Imphal-Moreh Transporters\u2019 Union told reporters after the meeting.
\n\u201cWe condemn the killing. We have decided to launch an indefinite strike to stop passenger service along Imphal-Moreh road from tomorrow and it will remain in force until the killing is clarified by the culprits,\u201d he said.
\nHaridash also warned against all concerned not to ply any type of passenger vehicle along the route during the strike.
\nUrging the state Government for prompt action to book the culprits, Haridash also demanded the Government to give ex-gratia to the next of kin.
\nThe JAC seeking justice in driver Gyanendra killing was formed during a public meeting held at Singjamei Community Hall. The meeting was also attended by local MLA and PHED minister I Hemochandra.<\/p>\n\n