Centre airlifts essential commodities to Imphal

Imphal (Manipur), May 18 (ANI): The Central Government is airlifting essential commodities like medicines, life saving drugs and food grains to Imphal because of their shortage caused by the blockade of the Kohima Imphal highway.

The state is reeling under acute shortage of essential commodities including medicines, life saving drugs and food grains.

The Indian Air force has started airlifting the first consignment of 3.5 Metric tonnes of PDS rice from Guwahati to Imphal.

"It carries 3.5 metric tonnes of rice, this rice we will be issuing directly to the deputy commissioner of the Imphal east and west, who have been requested to organise open market sale of the rice," said P. Vaiphei, Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public distribution.

"We would like to give priority to the economically weak families," he added.

Vaiphei further said people with Below Poverty Line (BPL) cards would be given priority in the distribution of essential commodities. (ANI)