Imphal, June 11 2010: On Receiving report of about 400 fully loaded freight trucks being stranded at Tupul, about 42 km from here, where landslide has completely blocked the NH-53, on their way back to Imphal, Works Minister K Ranjit and Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board, Bijoy Koijam, accompanied by officials and labourers of Public Works Department (PWD) have rushed to the spot this afternoon.

On the advice of Chief Minister O Ibobi, Minister Ranjit and MLA Bijoy Koijam would camp at the spot of the landslide tonight, and supervise the clearing operation of the landslide.

The team has taken along two Bull Dozers and two JCBs of PWD for accelerating the clearing operation.

Reports said that Bull Dozers of BRTF have also been put into service there.

Manipur Police commandos and IRB personnel are reported to be guarding the convoy of about 400 goods-laden trucks at Tupul.

Since the area affected by the landslide is somewhat long on the highway, the Minister and the MLA's team would be camping there to supervise the work so that it could be completed as quickly as possible, and that the trucks would be able to cross the area smoothly.

Sources said, efforts will be made to complete repairing the landslide affected area for the vehicles to cross by tomorrow morning.

Reports received from Jiribam said, there are about 300 more trucks loaded with goods stranded at Jiribam.

Another 150 or so goods-laden trucks are also stranded at present in Cachar.

The trucks are said to be waiting for the Jiribam to Imphal road (NH-53) to be cleared of the landslide mud and also security escorts.