The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union (APMU) on Thursday urged state government to provide passes for oil tanker drivers and handymen during the 21-day lockdown.

The union alleged that the drivers and handymen are facing the wrath of policemen.

The union’s Upper Assam president, Ranjan Choudhury, said, “We urged the state government to provide curfew or corona passes for the drivers and handymen of tankers. Their service is essential and everyday they are doing their duty but they are being assaulted by policemen when they ply their vehicles. The state government should look into the matter and take immediate step to resolve the issue.”

However, a number of tanker drivers and handymen are facing problems because of the closing down of many dhabas along their routes because they depend on the roadside eateries.

Petroleum products are exempted during the lockdown in the country.

“Their service is essential and the government should take the initiative to resolve the issues because the drivers and handymen are doing their duty but still facing police brutalities which is not accepted,” Chowdhury said.

He added that since dhabas and hotel are closed the drivers and handymen should be provide food at the company canteen.

“We are facing a lot of problems on the road because all the dhabas and hotels were closed. Moreover,policemen stopped our vehicle without any reason and also assaulted us. We urged the state government to provide us pass because we are involved in loading and unloading of petroleum products,” a tanker driver said.

Around 15,000 drivers and handymen are working under the banner of the mazdoor union.