Imphal, June 19 2009: Life saving drugs worth about Rs 70 lakh had been offloaded forcibly by some unidentified persons who claimed themselves to be activists of KRA in connection with monetary demand from a truck ferrying the drugs and beat up the truckers.

The life saving drugs were forcibly off-loaded from the truck at a place between Senapati and Kangpokpi on the stretch of the NH-39 on May 30 last and the matter came to light after the transport agency, Reliable Cargo Movers (RCM) lodged complaint with the Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association (MCDA) revealed a statement dispatched by the Association today.

If the complaint lodged by the RCM authority is true, there is apprehension of facing shortage of life saving drug in the state within the next few days again, the statement expressed recalling the recent shortage problem faced in the state following the drug distributors suspended distribution works unable to bear huge monetary demand by an underground group.

The hijacking of the drugs is also amidst the calls of the association and other civil organizations not to give any kinds of pressures in the procurement and distribution of life saving drugs which is under the essential service category, MCDA stated.

It also recalled that last year also a truck ferrying life saving truck was detained by an underground group and threatened to kill the drive in connection with monetary demand.

In this frequent threats and harassment to the drug distributors and companies in connection with monetary demand and force closure of the drug retailer shops, big companies had communicated to the drug dealers not to dispatch their products through the MCDA.

In the developing situation, if the underground outfits stop their disruptive activities, authorities do not take up any measures to free from such repeated disturbance, distributors left the business and company stop sending life saving drugs in the state, MCDA will not take any responsible in future, the statement warned.

Urging to make drug procurement and distribution a "free zone", the association appealed to return back the hijacked drugs and not to give any kind of disturbances and harassment to the activities related with procurement and distribution system in the state.Mention may be made that, Centre had provided CISF personnel for the protection of the chief minister, O Ibobi even though state strongly demanded NSG protection.

Other agenda includes proposal for lifting of ban for recruitment of 608 drivers in the state home department, discussion on the report of the delimitation exercise of the District Council to be tabled by the Hills departments and precautionary measure to counter with the drought in Manipur.

Mention may be made that due to non-arrival of the rain even the middle part of June entered cultivation works could not be carried out till date by the farmers.

On the other hand, the meeting of the BAC for chalking out business for the forthcoming July session of the state Assembly which would commenced from July 3.The session is likely to continue till July 28 with 18 days seating.

Main business to be transected during the 18 days proposed seating will be consideration and passing of private member resolutions, government resolution, private members' bill, cut motion, half-an-hour discussion etc.

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