Imphal, May 10 2010: Railway track laying work under-taken between Jiribam and Imphal under the North Eastern Frontier Railways has been halted while ration stock for labourers and officials stationed at Noney, Awangkhul and Khongshang is running low.

A reliable source informed that ration stock is running low due to suspension of ration supply following the indefinite blockade imposed along both NH-39 and NH-53 coupled with the turmoil which resulted from Thuingaleng Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur.

Earlier labourers and officials stationed at Noney, Awangkhul and Khongshang were executing the track laying in full gear.

But the track laying was halted soon after notification for the Autonomous District Council elections was issued.

In addition to the disturbances caused by the bandhs and blockades, supporters of the economic blockade also attacked the track laying work.

These bandhs and blockades were further intensified because of the turmoil resulting from Muivah's attempt to visit Manipur.

As such, railway work has been suspended all these days, conveyed the source.

However, the ongoing survey work for the rail track from Tupul to Imphal is continuing uninterrupted.

Fuel required at the stations of Noney, Awangkhul and Khongsang are being taken taken from the IOC depot located at Chingmeirong.

These fuel were delivered to Noney with security escorts and stocked at Noney oil pump.

Fuel required at these stations are stocked at Noney oil pump 15 days beforehand.

The authorities worked hard to ensure availability of fuel at these stations as heavy machinery and other vehicles are used for tunnel cutting and other related works.

But the prolonged blockade along NH-39, fuel oil stock at Chingmeirong depot has severely depleted.

As such, the depot is not in a position to supply fuel oils required at Noney, Awangkhul and Khongshang stations engaged in railway track laying works, added the source.