Trucks, oil tankers arrive in Imphal for first time since ga blockade

Imphal, Nov 16: Bringing some relief to the people, over 100 fuel tankers and trucks carrying consumer items arrived here on Wednesday — the first supply since the November 1 imposition of a United ga Council (UNC)-sponsored indefinite economic blockade to protest against the Manipur government’s move to create a new district. India Reserve Battalion personnel and Manipur Police commandos escorted 299 trucks and oil tankers on Monday to deliver fuel and consumer items along the 222-km NH 37. Over 1,500 trucks and oil tankers stranded in Assam, galand and border areas of Manipur had converged at Jiribam town in Imphal East district, near the border with Assam. Manipur’s Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister K. Biren and high ranking officials rushed to Assam to hold talks with the drivers and transport agents. Initially, the drivers were reluctant to ply as they were apprehensive of their security, but were filly convinced. “Arrangements were made to provide escort so that trucks and oil tankers could ply,” said Biren. (IANS)