70 goods trucks cross Mao gate, despite stand not to take NH-39 route
Delhi moots withdrawal of CPMF from NH-39
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 30 2010: Even as the Union Home Ministry has written to the State Government to withdraw the Central Paramilitary forces deployed along the National Highway 39, as normal transportation of goods has not been resumed on this route, in all 70 Imphal-bound goods laden trucks coming along the said Highway have reportedly crossed Mao Gate today.

On the other hand, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh and Works Minister K Ranjit, who are currently in Delhi, to press the Centre for handing over the task of developing and maintenance of National Highway-53 to the State Government, are expected to meet AICC president Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister and Union Minister of Surface Transport and Highways tomorrow.

Goods laden trucks stranded on the side of Nagaland during the blockade

Consequent to the over two months long total economic blockade imposed by ANSAM and UNC along the National Highways 39 and 53, transporters in the State decided not ply along National Highway 39.The decision of the transporters has also been endorsed by many civil organisations.

According to an official source from the State Home Department, the Union Home Ministry has written to the State Government in connection with withdrawal of the Central Paramilitary forces deployed along the National Highway 39, if no truck is going to ply along this route.

The State Government is yet to given any response to the letter of the Union Home Ministry.

The Union Home Ministry had despatched six companies of Central Paramilitary forces including two companies of CRPF women personnel for protection of the National Highway 39 on June 18 .

When the State Government started arrangement for lifting of essential goods through this National Highway with CRPF escorts, FCI communicated to the State Government that it would not be able to provide any truck and the oil tankers went hiding.

Consequently, the State Government has been making arrangement for lifting of essential goods through National Highway 53 under security escorts.

Meanwhile, in all 70 Imphal-bound goods laden trucks coming along National Highway 39 have reportedly crossed Mao Gate today afternoon.