Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 28 2010:
With FCI transporters hesitant in going to Dimapur for lifting the PDS items on account of the economic blockade imposed along the National Highways, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department has decided to make necessary escort arrangement for lifting the PDS items.
Conveying this to The Sangai Express, spokesperson of the SPF Government Minister N Biren said that a decision to this effect was arrived at a joint meeting of the FCI officials presided over by Commissioner of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution P Vaiphei today afternoon.
The Department would be ensured adequate security to 50 trucks for lifting the PDS items, the Minister assured, adding that in view of the ongoing blockade and to facilitate transportation of the PDS items, a company of IRB has been posted at Mao.
It is said that remaining PDS items in the stock at FCI godown, Sangaiprou is fast depleting.
On the other hand, FCI has reportedly written to the DGP for providing security escort for two days after every 3 days so that the PDS items from Ramnagar, Silchar can be brought to Imphal along National Highway 53 .
Information received from the District Office and Regional Office of the FCI said that although 22,00 quintal of Sugar meant for State quota had been diverted, there is adequate stock of State quota to the tune of 2736 metric tonne at the Dimapur godown.
Although the Government has assured that escort would be provided, it has not informed where the vehicles would group together before leaving to lift the PDS items, the source added.
Meanwhile, the Government spokesperson Minister N Biren has categorically ruled out any possibility of talks with the agitating tribal bodies which are imposing blockade along the National Highways.
He reiterated that the elections of the District Councils is to be conducted in accordance to the aspiration of the people.
To ensure smooth conduct of the election, Revenue Department had issued an order on April 24 to effect the transfer and posting of 27 SDCs/UDCs/RIs/Accountants/Superintendents.
None of the intending candidates have so far filed their nominations to contest in the election to the District Councils of Sadar Hills, Chandel and Churachandpur which would go to poll in the first phase on May 26 .