Over 19,000 stranded folks brought back so far

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 30: Over 19,000 Manipuri people stranded at different parts of the country on account of the COVID-19 lockdown have been brought back to the State.
Transporters and Drivers Council (TDC) president H Ranjit said that over 19,000 Manipuri people brought to Jiribam railway station by special trains from different parts of the country have been sent to their respective districts by bus.
Meanwhile, Wangthoiraba International Worship Centre, Lamdeng, Imphal West handed over masks, hand sanitisers and hand gloves for distribution to bus drivers and their helpers.
Speaking at the occasion of handing over the masks, hand sanitisers and hand gloves at the MG Avenue office of TDC today, H Ranjit conveyed gratitude to   the Wangthoiraba International Worship Centre, Lamdeng.
He said that 20 trains have arrived at Jiribam railway station since the first train arrived from Chennai till this morning.
Over 19,000 stranded people brought by these trains have been taken to their respective districts by bus. Leaving aside all their difficulties and braving the risk of COVID-19, drivers of TDC took the returnees to their respective district headquarters, Ranjit said.
He said that transportation of stranded people by bus would be suspended for four/five days and the same service would be resumed from June 3/4.
He then appealed to all the people to support bus drivers and helpers instead of discriminating or stigmatising them.
Ranjit also appealed to all the people settled along National Highways, public leaders, clubs and organisations to ensure smooth and safe transportation of stranded people by bus.
As four to five trains arrived at Jiribam railway station in a single day bring 4000/5000 people, bus drivers and handymen have been facing a very harrowing time.
Nonetheless, they have been taking the returnees to their respective district headquarters in about 200 buses.
The only relief they experienced is the improved condition of Imphal-Jiribam highway, H Ranjit further said.