Roads in Imphal city of Manipur, particularly in and around the busy Khwairamband Keithel, the main market areas of the state capital, wore a different look without the buzzing sound of diesel auto rickshaws on Monday.
The town experienced a different lifestyle with the shop keepers and women vendors runs their business with selective customers as the diesel auto rickshaws failed to bring their customers from the nearby towns and villages.
The different scene of the market came to light after the Joint Administrative Council of All Manipur Under Five Tonne Passenger Service had decided to launch a 48-hour cease work strike of all passenger auto rickshaws, Tata magic, wingers etc from the midnight of May 13 till the midnight of May 15 as protest against the decision of the Government to prohibit entry of such vehicles within Imphal.
Even though, the small passenger vehicle owners and drivers suspended their normal services, some vendors who have no problem in transportation were seen coming to the market.
However, sales were comparatively low as the diesel auto and the Tata Magic passenger service vehicles were the only means for common men.
The main market or agency in Paona keithel and Thangal Keithel had no impact as their customers are the ones who own cars or at least a two wheeler vehicle.
Similar is with most of the colleges as well as the government secondary schools.
Meanwhile, the Director of Transport Arthur Chiphang appealed to the striking parties to resume their usual passenger services in order to help the local commuters.
He clarified that the government has never issued any notification regarding the report of prohibition of entry of vehicles in the town area.
He, however, informed that a high level meeting was held to take a decision in this regard.
Meanwhile, reacting to the cease work protest by various drivers’ associations of diesel autos, Tata Magic and Wingers, Chief Minister N Biren speaking to media clarified that the government didn’t take any decision or issued any official order regarding the ban of diesel autos and other such public transport vehicles in and around the Imphal City.
He said that stringent action would be taken up to those who disrupt the lives of the people illegally.