MTOWA extends Rs 1 lakh assistance, Tangkhul CSOs too extend solidarity CM assures Rs 10 lakh ex-gratia for slain driver

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, May 30 : Chief Minister Y Khemchand has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the family of Nitish Kumar, the truck driver who was killed by Kuki militants in broad daylight near TM Kasom under Litan Police Station in Ukhrul district yesterday.
Family members of Nitish arrived in Imphal today and they, accompanied by members of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' & Motor Workers' Union (AMRTD&MWU), met the Chief Minister.
During the meeting, Khemchand assured that Rs 10 lakh would be provided to Nitish Kumar’s next of kin.
The post-mortem examination of Nitish was conducted today at JNIMS, and his mortal remains will be taken to his village tomorrow.
On the other hand, the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association (MTOWA) has provided an ex-gratia of Rs 1 lakh to Nitish Kumar’s family, as announced earlier.
The Association also provided Rs 50,000 to Disingam Maringmei (35), the security personnel from Sangaiprou who was injured in the ambush.
Representatives of Tangkhul CSOs in Imphal also extended cash assistance and a Leirum Phee to Nitish Kumar’s family.
They said they came to pay their respects to the driver as he was killed while serving the public amid the prevailing situation in Manipur.
Speaking to the media at JNIMS morgue, Dipankar Das, Nitish Kumar’s nephew, said that his uncle’s wife had also passed away about a year ago.
He added that his uncle left behind one son and one daughter, and that his son is currently seriously ill.
Dipankar continued that the Chief Minister has collected the bank account details of Nitish Kumar’s next of kin to transfer the ex-gratia amount.
Saying that drivers are not financially well-off and they put their lives on the line in the course of their duties, he expressed hope that the tragedy that befell his uncle does not happen to anyone else.
He urged the Government to arrest the killers and ensure that drivers are not targeted anymore.
MTOWA president Hijam Ranjit said that drivers should be allowed to travel along highways only after necessary measures such as area domination and search operations are carried out and there is confirmation that no anti-social elements are present.
Saying that the role of drivers in society is immense, he urged the Government to ensure their safety.
He added that the Government must take the threats faced by drivers seriously and take appropriate measures to prevent further loss of life.
AMRTD&MWU general secretary Maimom Anil said that Nitish Kumar was killed by terrorists.
All organisations should understand that drivers are the ones who bring medicines, food, and essential commodities to the State, and therefore they should not be affected by bandhs or blockades, he asserted.
Anil asked what would happen if all drivers stop taking the wheel in protest.
He further urged organisations across the hills and valleys of Manipur to take action to ensure the safety of drivers.