Imphal, July 02: Two Ministers who had gone to meet Nagaland Chief Minister to hold talks in connection with the ongoing indefinite economic blockade called by ANSAM along the National Highways returned to Imphal this afternoon.

Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat and Health Minister L Nandakumar who met Chief Minister of Nagaland Neiphiu Rio and its Home Minister last night prevailed upon them to provide assistance in ensuring free movement of the Imphal bound goods laden trucks being stranded in Nagaland following the economic blockade.

The Nagaland Chief Minister and the Home Minister reportedly assured the visiting Ministers from Manipur to provide adequate security for the safe passage of the stranded trucks from Dimapur till Khuzuma.

But from Mao gate to Imphal, the State Government has to take the responsibility to escort the trucks.

As an outcome of last night's meeting, more additional forces from Nagaland police have been reportedly despatched to Khuzuma today for providing security coverage to stranded trucks and the drivers.

Over and above the frequent patrolling being conducted by personnel of Khuzama Police Station with strict instruction from Kohima SP to look after the safety of the drivers and handymen, a special task force has also been reportedly set up for the purpose.

According to reports, the president of Kohima District Land and Transport Trade Union Mhokolie Angami has been ensuring the safety of the stranded drivers and the handymen.

Moreover, from the side of Manipur, the secretaries of Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association and Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association had gone to look after the condition of the stranded drivers and distributed rice, pulses, oil, Ngari and other eatable items among them.

A team of doctors from Manipur Voluntary Health Association had also provided necessary medical assistance and medicines to the drivers.

Although the State Government has given assurances for to provide adequate security to escort them to Imphal, the drivers have reportedly refused to handle the wheels till an amicable solution to end the impasse has been brought about.

There are presently 67 loaded trucks are still stranded along the route.

On their way to Kohima yesterday, the two Ministers also met the stranded drivers as well as the representatives of Truck Owners' Welfare Association and Drivers' Welfare Association and talked on the prevailing situation.

The two Ministers reportedly gave Rs 5,000 as assistance for the drivers.

Meanwhile, as the economic blockade has been ongoing for the last 14 days, the stock of petrol at the IOC Depot Chingmeirong is said to be depleting fast with the remaining quantity of petrol not in a position to last more than 10 days and the kerosene for 14 days.