Manipur facing acute fuel shortage

IMPHAL - Manipur continues to suffer from fuel shortage.

Although the economic blockade has been temporarily lifted, Manipur is still reeling from an acute shortage of petroleum products, LPG cylinders and other essential commodities due to a boycott call given by operators of tankers and other freight trucks.

The truck operators, including fuel tankers, have refused to ply their vehicles along the NH-53 and NH-39.

Consequently, once again, the masses in Manipur are deprived of their fresh supplies.

“What can we do? If it continues, we will not be able to live. This is a very inhuman act. We all should join together and work out on a solution to end this issue. I suggest, people from all walks of life should come and jointly work to resolve this issue,” observed Jibonmala Devi, a resident.

Transport operators have sought stringent action against the extortion and harassment by various entities such as NSCN-IM and several other militant factions along the national highways.

Meanwhile, the boycott by the transporters has resulted in steep hike in the cost of petrol with hoarders and black marketers capitalising on the plight of the locals. (ANI)