Security beefed up on NH 37
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 07 2011:
With the fuel stocks in the state running dry as oil tankers have stopped transporting it followingthe collapse of a bridge at Sodarghat in Silchar and disturbances caused by a three-day total bandh imposed by United Naga Council (UNC) and All Naga Students' Association, Manipur (ANSAM) along National Highway-37, the State government on Monday has increased the strength of security forces to protect transporters on the national highway, and 1183 trucks, including oil and bullet tankers left for Jiribam on Monday.
Sources said in addition to the security forces that have already been engaging on escort duty on the highway, eight more gypsies of commandos each from Imphal east, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal districts were today deployed on the highway, which has been facing an indefinite economic blockade since last August 21 imposed by UNC.
The economic blockade entered its 76 day today.
Meanwhile, reports said 93 goods laden trucks, including oil and bullet tankers that have been stranded at Silchar and Jiribam are now waiting for escorts to return.
However, some vehicles have started moving on their way towards Imphal as the broken Sadarghat Bridge at Silchar has been repaired.
State government spokesman N.Biren had said the State has only 214 KL of petrol in stock and out of that 170 KL has to be reserved for security related
emergency services.
He had also expressed uncertainty over the distribution and sale of fuel to the public as the daily oil requirement of the State is at 70 KL.
The minister stated this while briefing the media yesterday after a Cabinet meeting here.
Biren further informed that the Railways has agreed to transport diesel and Kerosene oil on broad gauge upto Jiribam from Assam to help the State in transporting fuel and that petrol would be transport from Ramnagar in Assam.