Stranded trucks carrying essential commodities arrive in Imphal

Imphal, May 25 (ANI): A large number of trucks and oil tankers, carrying essential commodities bound for Manipur, which had been stranded on National Highway-53 for over a month, have finally reached Imphal.

Naga tribal students had imposed an economic blockade following Manipur's decision to bar National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah from visiting his home town Somdal in the state's Ukhrul District. Manipur's Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Y. Erabot, visited Jiribam, the place of blockade, and persuaded the agitators to end 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.

Erabot 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 ended 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. (ANI)