A protest banner put up by agitating truckers along NH-29 on September 29. (Morung Photo)
DCCI, Dimapur transport unions discuss effects of chakka jam
Dimapur, September 30 (MExN): The Dimapur Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) convened a joint meeting with Dimapur Goods Transport Association, Dimapur District Truck Owners’ Union, Dimapur District Truck Drivers’ Welfare Trade Union and Dimapur District Truck Drivers’ Union on September 30 to discuss the ‘chakka jam’ imposed by a section of transporters.
The meeting reportedly took serious note of the effect of the agitation on supply of essential goods and life saving drugs into Nagaland via Dimapur during the pandemic and how the chakka jam is creating a ‘fear psychosis’ among the citizens.
As such, the joint meeting resolved that the various transporters and truck unions of Dimapur should immediately resume operation to normalize the transportation and supply chain.
“The general public and businessmen including transporters have incurred heavy losses in the past six months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this juncture we cannot afford another bandh or agitation,” a press statement from the DCCI President Akashe Zhimomi read.
The meeting also unanimously resolved that the chakka jam should be immediately called off in the greater interest of all concerned.
Meanwhile, the associations also urged the Nagaland government to take up the issue with the Assam counterpart and exert strong pressure as the agitation has impacted the smooth flow of supplies.
“Truckloads of essential commodities and perishable items stranded on the Highway are rotting and getting damaged,” they claimed, and questioned who would be responsible for the losses and compensation for the damaged goods.
The DCCI also appealed to the Commissioner of Police Dimapur to communicate with Assam Police for providing police escort and safe passage to trucks and transporters crossing the inter-state border.
Meanwhile, the joint meeting appreciated Dimapur Police for the prompt action in pursuing the case of the September 22 killing of a truck driver in Dimapur. They also appealed to the authority concerned to fulfill the demand for suitable compensation to the family members of the late truck driver.
