We trust our lives in one man when we opt to travel in a vehicle driven by another. The situation is not different for the passengers of NST Bus plying between Kohima and Kiphire; more than 10 hours journey through 245 KM. Any sort of mechanical snag or any error from the driver may be vital. Think about the condition where the driver is heavily under the influence of alcohol and gambling the lives of passengers. That was what happened on 10th December 2005 Saturday. On the way to Kiphire, before reaching Pfutsero, we had three narrow escapes. The agitated passengers put up a police complaint against the drunken driver at Pfutsero and accordingly the driver was arrested. The passengers had to wait to get another driver to reach Kiphire by mid-night. This was not the first time we the passengers were facing such problems. In the past, several times the Bus was forced to hold on the way due to shortage of fuel.
Through this open letter, the passengers of NST Bus and the passengers of Kiphire in particular seek the attention of all the concerned authorities and request to take stern action against such irresponsible employees, so that unfortunate accidents can be averted.
T. Bendang Sangtam, Vice President,
NPF, 59th A/C Seyochung-Sitimi
