Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 01 2009:
Defying and daring a ban imposed by an armed group against lifting of PDS rice for Imphal West and Churachandpur districts, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Y Erabot, personally supervised lifting of PDS rice from CAFPD godown today.
Speaking to media persons at the godown, Erabot said that amidst such regular disturbances like burning of vehicles and assaulting transporters, while ferrying PDS items from Dimapur, one Punsiba of the armed group UPPK imposed another restriction.
"That is why I'm personally attending the lifting of PDS rice from the godown", Erabot said.
Disclosing that the UPPK had demanded 5 percent of the total quantity of PDS rice allocated to each district, every month, starting from June, Erabot said that despite the demand, PDS rice have been distributed up to the month of July.
But the UG group has raised strong objection against distribution of PDS rice, besides issuing threats to the officials that they would be attacked.
The UG group even summoned four officials, the Minister said.
"My efforts are aimed at ensuring the PDS rice reach BPL families", the Minister added.