The drivers blocked the Assam-Agartala National Highway in Chamtila area under North Tripura district protesting continues harassment for Durga Puja Chanda.
The incident happened on Tuesday. During Durga Puja, owners of medium and heavy goods vehicles have to face toll charges. Sometimes they are harassed by taking down the goods collect extra fees. Clubs often resort to this type of torture for extorting extra money on freight cars most at the night.
Such complaints have been coming from the drivers for a long time. According to the drivers, not only the clubs but also the police of various police stations are forcing them to pay extra money despite having proper documents.
As there was no other way the drivers sat on the national highway and blockaded the road near the petrol pump in Chamtila area of Panisagar sub-division.
“The blockade will be lifted only if they get proper security from the administration” this was their demand.
In the noon when thousands of vehicles were blocked on both sides of the National Highway for two hours, Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Panisagar Soumya Debbarma and DCM Govind Debbarma rushed to convince the blockaders to clear the blockade from the National Highway.
With their assurance, the blockade of the national highway was lifted after two hours.
Later, a meeting was organized with vehicle drivers, administration officials and various clubs.
In this tripartite meeting, it is decided through discussion how the clubs should collect the chanda and arrangements will be made so that the drivers are not subjected to torture for any kind of pressure.
