Imphal, July 06 2010: State government has given assurance to take up the NH-53 on war footing, said representatives of three students' bodies, All Assam Manipuri Students' Organisation (AAMSO), North East Manipuri Students' Organisation (NEMSO) and All Manipur Students Union (AMSU) today.

The assurance was given by the Chief Minister, O Ibobi during a meeting with them said the leaders of the three students' bodies at a press conference held at the head office of the AMSU at DM College campus.

NEMSO president, Oinam Maniton said Manipuris settling outside the state also feel the woes suffering by the people of the state due to the imposition of economic blockade on the National Highways for prolong period of time.

They had also tried their best to lift the economic blockade in association with the AAMSO.

Even after lifting the blockade, when the transporters and drivers decided not to ply their vehicles on the NH-39 and demanded improving the NH-53, they are extending supports, he said.

During the meeting also, in response to their request, the Chief Minister assured of taking over the highway by the state and hand over to the PWD.

They also requested the Chief Minister for developing parking places at Phuleton or Rongpur of Assam for the state vehicles, he added.

Works minister, K Ranjit and IFCD minister N Biren also took part in the meeting with the joint of team of three students' bodies that prominently discussed the making of Imphal-Jiribam section of the NH-53 as lifeline of the people of the state.

They put up the demand for extension of the Gujarat-Silcha East-West Super Highway upto Imphal, construction of a Manipur Bhavan at Silchar, early completion of construction works of Guwahati Manipur Bhavan and shifting of FCI godowns for lifting Manipur quotas of rice, sugar and wheat from Dimapur to Silchar etc.

Government has given a positive response to the demand placed by the three students' bodies, leaders taking part in the meeting claimed after coming out from the meeting today.

Leaders of the two students' bodies, AAMSU and NESO are camping in Imphal for the last six day from June 30 to press Manipur government their certain demands related with grievances facing by Manipuris residing in Assam and other part of the northern states.

They submit a memorandum containing their demands to the Chief Minister during the meeting.

In response to the demands, the chief minister and other ministers present in the meeting assured of translating their demands at the earliest, president of AAMSU, L Surendra told reporters.