Transport services for several schools across Imphal came to a halt on Thursday after members of the All Manipur School Students’ Transporters Association (AMSSTA) and local van unions staged a sit-in protest against alleged extortion demands targeting school van drivers.

The protest, held in front of the Community Hall near Liberal College, Luwangsangbam, was organised by van unions operating between Chingmeirong and Leimakhong. Around 22 school van drivers under AMSSTA suspended their services and joined the demonstration, leaving many students stranded and disrupting daily commutes.

Speaking to the media, the protesting drivers voiced serious concern over repeated monetary demands from unidentified groups. They said such unlawful activities have created fear among van operators and jeopardised the safe transportation of schoolchildren.

The drivers warned that continued threats and extortion attempts would not only endanger students but also affect the livelihood of transporters. They urged the state government and law enforcement agencies to take swift action to identify and penalise those responsible, while ensuring security for school transport services.

Representatives of the Van Unions also appealed to the media for broader coverage of the issue, stressing that the safety of schoolchildren and the rights of drivers must be protected without compromise.