NH 39 partially open for vehicular traffic

Kohima, Oct 22 (UNI) National Highway 39, the lifeline of Nagaland and Manipur, which was blocked at Lalmati near Kiruphema by landslides since October 16, has been partially opened for vehicular traffic.

Official sources said here today that trucks containing essential commodities and petroleum products were being allowed to move to Kohima and Manipur since yesterday evening.

With the supply of essential commodities, especially petrol, diesel, Kerosene and LPG cylinders, resuming, the scarcity had been relieved partially.

However, the shortage of vegetables persisted.

The authorities did not allow very heavy vehicles, laden with heavy machineries, bound for Manipur, as the road was still fragile.

Meanwhile, the small vehicles were facing difficulty in passing as the trucks had made ruts on the road. Consequently, they had to be diverted through a by-pass.

Kohima Municipal Council officials raided many places in search of hoarders and several items were seized since October 20. The items were meant to be sold in the black market at higher prices.

Border Road Task Force (BRTF) personnel were also working to make the highway fully functional for vehicular traffic.

UNI