Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 23 2008:
Conceding that security measure with regard to passage of LPG carriers on the Manipur section of the Imphal-Dimapur National Highway No 39 remains ineffective, Food and Civil Supplies Minister Yumkham Erabot Singh has officially intimated top civil and police officials to do the needful.
Issuing an official instruction addressed to the Director General of Police with similar copies also made available to the Chief Secretary, Commissioner (FCS) and IOC Ltd.
(NEISCO), Guwahati the Minister strongly advocated proper maintenance of entry of number and particulars of trucks in the transportation of LPG from Khuzama to Motbung as well as 'proper care' of any truck in the trip stranded due to mechanical failure or otherwise.
Noting that 'escort convoy under the Nagaland State authority from Dimapur to Khuzama has been in normal condition while from Mao to Motbung under the State authority the same arrangement remains ineffective, the Minister desired that prompt action by taken by relevant State officials in public interest.
"As you are already aware the problem of disturbances of underground (NSCN) to trucks moving with LPG from Khuzama to Motbung are still continuing to the effect that transporters are not willing to resume lifting and transportation of LPGs and due to that availability of LPG in the state is alarming," mentioned the Erabot's official intimation issued on December 22 to the top State officials.
He also pointed out that Nagaland escort convoy takes all accounts of LPG loaded trucks and no truck is left without ascertaining the safety aspect whereas State (Manipur) authority fails to maintain the counting and entering of the number of trucks and particulars as well as leaving behind/unattended 'any truck that breaks down due to mechanical failure along the route'.
Maram fest : The Maram festival which has been going on since December 16 at Maram Khullen with the main objective of preservation and promotion of Maram culture concluded today.
Delegates from various villages inhabited by Maram community participated in the 8-day long festival.
In the valedictory function of the festival today, cultural dances and folksongs were presented.