Oil depots closed down due to economic blockade

Imphal, May 23 (UNI) Oil depots in Manipur were generally closed due to non-availability of petroleum product, in view of an economic blockade jointly called by the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) and Senapati District Students' Association(SDSA).

Cooking gas was also not available due to the blockade. The unions called the strike as the state government had failed to fulfil their demands.

Trucks bringing essential commodities were stopped and attacked by bandh supporters on NH-39 at Senapati district during the last few days, which has resulted in sky-rocketting of prices of essential items.

Officials here today said that about 300 vehicles carrying oil, LPG and essential goods were brought to Imphal escorted by providing security personnel.

Series of agitations that had been called to stress on their various demands have severely affected the national highway, which is the lifeline of the state.

The All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) had called the economic blockade earlier, which severely affected highway traffic but they had called it off following an agreement with the NPO. SDSA called another blockade from May 21 last.

As the oil depots were closed, people had to buy petroleum products in black. People could even be seen selling petrol in front of the oil depots which had been closed down.

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