Imphal, June 09 2010: Over 400 trucks carrying essential commodities, which were stranded near Irang due to a landslide at a spot located about 4 kms from Noney, have started their journey towards Imphal, reaching Keithelmanbi at the time of filing this report at 12 midnight.

Other trucks which were found stranded along NH-53 have been escorted upto Imphal by the Ministerial team which had gone to inspect the condition of the road.

Since the BRTF did not have enough man power to clear the landslide, CRPF personnel of the 69th Bn stationed at Irang led by its CO Sheilender Singh requisitioned one JCB which is being used for laying the railway tracks and helped in towing the vehicles across the landslide one by one.

Considering the difficulties faced by the drivers of the stranded vehicles, the Ministerial team gave Rs 15,000 to them.

The aggrieved drivers questioned why the Ministerial team could not escort the stranded goods laden trucks from Jiribam when Minister Y Erabot had done the same earlier.

K Ranjit explained that it is due to some technical snags on the Barak bridge and added that the repair work will be completed soon.

Ranjit also instructed the SDPO Jiribam to protect the stranded vehicles.

During their inspection tour, the team came across landslides at two points but no BRO personnel were seen.

Taking serious note of the matter, the team expressed disgust over the manner in which the BRTF is maintaining NH-53 .

Accordingly, the Ministerial team send words for the officials of BRO to come and attend the meeting to be held at the Chief Minister's bungalow tomorrow without fail.

After their inspection of the road stretch, the Ministerial team returned from Jiribam today.

Near Barak bridge, they came across 10 goods laden stranded trucks with no security escort.

Accordingly, the Ministerial team brought the 10 trucks along with their escort party.