Manipur faces fuel scarcity due to ongoing economic blockade

IMPHAL - Fuel supplies and other essential commodities in Manipur are hit severely due to ongoing economic blockade called by All Naga Students Association (ANSAM).

The blockade has been imposed against the proposed polls to the six Autonomous District Councils (ADCs). The Naga community has opposed the elections under the existing Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council (third amendment) Act 2008.

As the economic blockade entered its tenth-day on Tuesday, the State has started witnessing acute fuel shortage, resulting in closure of almost all the existing filling stations in the province.

To prevent total exhaustion of the fuel stocks at Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) depots, the government has taken steps by opening five fuel pumps daily on roster system.

“This has created lot of inconvenience to those who are hand to mouth and earn their daily bread like us who are rendering services as school van driver. We will appreciate and feel happy, if they negotiate with the government and the issue is resolved at the earliest.” Said Tolen Singh, a school taxi driver. (ANI)