Kohima: The state-wide indefinite strike called by petroleum transporters and
retailers would likely continued for the second day today as the whereabouts of the two
abducted truck driver and the helper remained unknown.
The strike, shutdown of fuel pumps and oil tankers going off the road across the state,
called by the Kohima Petrol Pump Dealers Association, Dimapur Petrol Pump Dealers
Association, Nagaland Tanker Transport Association and Oil Tanker Drivers Union,
Dimapur took effect from 1200 hours of yesterday.
The effect of the strike was evident from day one with Nagaland's commercial hub badly
hit. Fuel outlets in nearby West Karbi Anglong district of Assam were overwhelmed with
vehicles from Dimapur making a beeline to the four existing petrol pumps at Lahorijan,
Khatkhati and Bokajan since the wee hours of yesterday.
Public transport was the most affected as people plying taxis and auto rickshaws had
to crossover the state-lines to get fuel. Passengers of outbound zonal taxis from Dimapur
endured long waits as the drivers rushed to either Lahorijan or Khakhati to refuel leaving
their vehicles within the state-lines. Overwhelmed by the sudden surge in demand, as
the day progressed the fuel outlets stopped entertaining customers, who turned up
without personal vehicles.
If the bandh continues for over two or three days, then prices of commodities including
vehicle fare will most likely see a further rise. Meanwhile, the Nagaland Government remained mum on the progress of investigation and operations to trace the missing truckers, who were abducted at New Helipong in Tuensang on April 22.
The Eastern Nagaland People's Organisation (ENPO) informed that it was touch with the Tuensang district administration on the progress of the investigations. Asked on its meeting
with the Tuensang district administration, ENPO executives said that nothing much was
disclosed while adding the police maintained it was putting in all efforts into the investigation.
The Political Affairs Committee (PAC), Government of Nagaland has appealed for
immediate release of abducted oil tanker driver Tula Ram Bura Gohain and his helper
Adman Surin, who went missing at New Helipong village, Tuensang on April 22.
According to a press communique from Nagaland Chief Secretary and Member
Secretary PAC Temjen Toy, in a resolution passed during its meeting held at the residential
office of the Chief Minister yesterday, the PAC urged for immediate release of the innocent
persons citing humanitarian ground as well as to maintain peaceful atmosphere in the State.
"While the State's machineries are making all possible efforts to ensure the safe returns
of the persons, the PAC issues this appeal on humanitarian ground so as maintain peaceful atmosphere in the State," it said. (UNI)
