Imphal, May 16 2009: After four day stoppage of the distribution, life saving drugs dealers resumed service from this afternoon reportedly after an understanding was brought about with the group KCP (MC) demanding money from them.

Expressing regret to the inconveniences caused due to the closer of the drugs dealers, the Manipur Chemist and Druggists Association has appealed to the underground groups not to give interference in making available the life saving drugs and medicines to the people.

Mention may be made that following a reported strong pressure from the KCP(MC) to pay Rs 10 lakh to the group and disagreement arose over the matter, life saving drug wholesalers have been suspended supply of the items to the retailers from May 13 last causing hardship to the people who could not get drugs and medicines of immediate needs.

With regard to the resumption of the normal supply of the drugs, speaking at a press conference held at the office of the Manipur Chemists and Druggists Association this afternoon, secretary Dr Ratankumar said the body decided to resume the supply after there bring about an agreement with the group demanding money on certain condition when both sides relaxes their stand to some extend.

The body took up the step to negotiate with the group considering the inconveniences caused to the people owing to the closer of the wholesalers' shop.

However, he expressed concern over the increasing threats and demands to the dealers despite the importance of the same.

Ratankumar further observed that if the threats to the life saving drug dealers continue in such a manner, dealers may have left the business which would resulted to the scarcity of life saving drugs in the state.

Talking on the grievances ahead of the life saving drug dealers in the state, he said that owing to the imposition of "taxes" by various underground groups on the truckers while procuring the items from outside the state, carrier charge is very high.

The life saving drugs available in the state are procure mostly from Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmadabad, Bangalore etc.

Even though the carrier charge is Rs 2.30 per kg weight in the normal fix by the companies while distributing, the same cost from Rs 6.30 to Rs 7 per Kg while reaching the state from Guwahati owing to the imposition of various taxes on the highway reaching the state.

Owing to this prevailing condition, not only wholesalers could not get much profit but also distributors do not want to supply such items in the state of Manipur.

Expressing discontented over the people and civil societies remaining silent and not standing with them in facing the grievances despite such conditions, Ratankumar said they are not satisfied viewing them as businessmen.

Considering the dealers of this item as essential service, they feel gratitude with the volunteers of AMADA, the body that showed solidarity to the cause of the life saving drug dealers.

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