Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 10 2008:
Hard days are here again for vehicle owners and business community as Manipur is on the threshold of facing yet another instance of scarcity of oil.
With economic blockade along the National Highway-39 (NH-39) under-way since the imposition on November 1 by the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA), all supplies of petrol and diesel to the State have been put on halt.
Speaking to NNN, Shiva Dalal, a senior salesman of the Phulchand Tilokchand (PCTC) oil pump in Imphal, predicated there would be scarcity of oil in the State if the ongoing economic blockade continues.
Dalal also informed that the oil which is distributed at the moment is from the oil depot at Chingmeirong in Imphal East district which might last only for the next 3-4 days.
''If the economic blockade along the National Highway continues for longer, we will not be able to serve the people of the state with this less amount, Dalal conveyed.
Interestingly, the blockade imposed by the Senapati District Students' Association (SDSA) against the bad condition of the National Highway is being supported by the All Manipur Tanker Drivers' Union and other heavy truck carriers which declared that they would support the bandh until the demands were made and the roads repaired.
Confirming this stance, Y Bhupenchandra, president of the All Manipur Tanker Drivers Union affirmed that until and unless a solution was brought about with the demands of the SDSA and the condition of the road improved, the Union would join in the agitation and continue with the bandh.
This has also been the demand of the drivers' union over the months to the State Government, added the president.
With regards to the condition of the road, the president on the drivers' union conveyed that the road between Mao Gate in Senapati district and Imphal was the worst.
Due to the bad condition of the road between these two destinations at least 5-6 vehicles springs have been broken daily thus consuming time and fuel, stated Bhupenchandra while alarming that the health condition of the drivers ise at risk due to the dust.
The president also charged the State Government of mishandling the central government sanctioned central pool for the National highway development.