Manipur continues to face fuel shortage, as blockade temporarily called off

Imphal, May 26 (ANI): Despite the temporary suspension of blockade, the Manipur continues to face a shortage of petroleum products due to the swelling of stock.

The stock of petroleum products were augmented in the State after the stranded oil tankers in Jiribam were escorted back to Imphal, coupled with petroleum products brought through the NH-150 apart from airlifting of fuel, the Assam Tribune reports.

Shortage of essential commodities including fuel in the state was because of an indefinite blockade imposed by the All Naga Students’ Association with the support of Naga frontal organisations.

The blockade was called against the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Council elections under the 3rd Amendment Act, 2008.

The situation, however, has improved after Tuesday, when Manipur’’s Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Y. Erabot, visited Jiribam, the focal point of the blockade, and persuaded the agitators to suspend it.
Erabot was accompanied by his security staff. He was able to persuade the agitators to allow around 290 vehicles, including trucks and oil tankers, to proceed to Imphal. The convoy included 37 LPG bullet tankers, 36 oil tankers and 177 trucks laden with other goods.
The convoy also included two trucks carrying 15 tonnes of cement each.
Earlier, on Monday, essential commodities, including medicines, were airlifted by the Indian Air Force from Guwahati and Tezpur. rabot met Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution officials and visited the FCI’’s Jiribam godown. He also interacted with womenfolk who had prevented public distribution system (PDS) items from being transported.
Following consultations with the minister and the local MLA, the protestors agreed to temporarily suspend their blockade.
“Because of ANSAM’s ongoing economic blockade, we had been stranded there for three days. We want to thank the Minister. Due to his intervention, we have been able to reach our destination, ” said Momocha Singh, a passenger.
The successful entry of 290 trucks was greeted with all round public applause. The State Government has announced allotment of 24 kilolitres daily for the transporters besides providing fuel through selected agents in Tamenglong, Ukhrul and Senapati districts. (ANI)