Supply of goods yet to resume in Manipur

Imphal, Jun 23 : State transporters have refused to travel on NH 39 , Imphal-Dimpur sector, though economic blockade called on NH 39 and NH 53 since April 11 by Naga students was called off on June 18.

The Transporters and Drivers' Council Manipur informed that the transporters and passenger bus services have decided not to ply on the Imphal-Dimapur section of NH 39 until the Centre and the Nagaland government curbs extortion in the name of 'taxes' in Nagaland.

Transporters and passenger bus services complained that there were too many check points and posts in Nagaland where money has to be given to move ahead.

Every truck passing through Nagaland has to spend around Rs 5000 to Rs 30,000, they informed.

They also feared that as the vehicles were not plying in Nagaland for a long time due to the economic blockade various militant groups would be demanding huge amounts of money from the transporters.

Passenger bus services refused to resume the service for the same reason.

Vehicles were now plying on NH 53, Imphal-Jiribam section, which does not pass through Nagaland. It is longer and the roads are in pathetic condition.

As flow of vehicles have been stopped for almost two months oil depots continue to be closed down. Petrol is sold around Rs 100 to Rs 130 per litre.

LPG is not available and most families are not running their kitchen due to non availability of LPG.

Yumkham Erabot Minister of Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said only around 25 oil tankers are in service and about 75 oil tankers are reported missing in Assam.

Drivers, who were stranded in the highways for over two months, could have left behind the vehicles it was suspected.

The state government has diesel supply which would lasts five days while petrol would dry up within three days.

Petrol and diesel are given only to officials and not to the general public.

Meanwhile, All Manipur Christian Organisation has appealed to all to stop collection of illegal tax on Manipur vehicles by the Naga Students and other bodies in Nagaland. It welcomed the decision to call of blockade.