Economic blockade over murder of truck driver lifted

BOKAJAN: The indefinite economic blockade imposed by five transport unions of Assam and Nagaland in the backdrop of September 22 killing of a Assam truck driver Jiten Gogoi in Dimapur was lifted on Friday in the evening after it entered the 4th day completely affecting the supply of goods and essential commodities into Dimapur.

Over 500 transport vehicles including fuel/LPG tankers bound for Nagaland and Manipur were stranded at different locations in Lahorijan along NH-39 and Dillai Gate along NH-36 in Assam-Nagaland interstate border due to the blockade. However, 59 vehicles transporting perishable items and goods for the paramilitary forces had been allowed to enter Dimapur on Thrusday.

It needs to be mentioned here that five transport unions (three Nagaland based and two Assam based) namely Dimapur District Truck Owners' Association, Dimapur Truck Drivers' Union, Dimapur District Truck Drivers' Welfare Trade Union, Lahorijan and Khatkhati Truckers' Welfare Society and Bokajan Truck Owners' Association had jointly imposed the economic blockade on expiry of the three day ultimatum since September 29.

Meanwhile, the Dimapur Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Soundararajan in a meeting with the Dimapur Commissioner of Police and transporters have issued a written assurance to expedite the investigations and bring it to a logical conclusion. The notice also stated that the compensation to the family members of the deceased driver will be paid provided the innocence of the victim is unequivocally established during the course of investigation. On regards to the DMC lease system, the notice further read that the DC is not the competent authority to decide on the matter and it would be flagged to the Nagaland government for perusal and further directives.

President of Lahorijan and Khatkhati Truckers' Welfare Society, Kheholi Kibami while speaking to this correspondent said that we have resolved to lift the blockade as Dimapur DC have assured in pen and paper that the case shall be persued in high spirit and justice would be delivered to the victim's family at the earliest. We have sent an immediate financial assistance of Rs 93,000 for the funeral rites of the deceased driver who is survived by his parents, wife and two kids.

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