Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 01:
Even as the possibility of lifting the economic blockade being imposed by All Tribal Students' Union, Manipur (ATSUM) along the National Highways passing through the State remains remote as the Government has not yet given any response to the demand of the student body, Food and Civil Supply Department has minatined that the shortage of petrol and diesel being faced by the people is artificial.
Talking to The Sangai Express today, ATSUM president John Pulamte made it clear that there is no question of lifting the ongoing economic blockade until and unless the Government gives a positive response to the demands of the Union.
So far, the Government has not given any response, he added.
ATSUM general secretary Apao Haokip informed that the Union is prepared for talks in case the Government extends an invitation in connection with the ongoing agitation of the student body.
On the other hand, FCS officials have asserted that the problem of shortage of petrol and diesel being faced by the people is only artificial and there is enough fuel in stock.
However, there is shortage in the number of oil tankers for lifting the oil from the Government depot to the oil pumps, the officials informed.
This is mainly due to the fact that many of the oil tankers have remained stranded outside Manipur, they added.
The stranded oil tankers are expected to be escorted and brought here in the next couple of days, they said.
It is conveyed that the remaining fuel stock at the Chingmeirong Depot of the IOC are petrol for 17 days, diesel also for 17 days, Kerosene for 33 days and aviation fuel for 47 days.
After remaining closed for the last couple of days, atleast four oil pumps in Imphal area supplied petrol and diesel to the people today.