25 trucks, 45 bullet tankers arrive

Imphal, Jan 11 : AMIDST THE ongoing economic blockade called by the Naga People's Organisation (NPO) along the national highway (NH) 39 leading to Manipur and the various issues surrounding it, 25 (twenty-five) loaded trucks have reportedly left the Mao Gate in the Manipur-Nagaland border on Saturday evening amidst tight security and escort by the 2nd MR towards Imphal.

As per reports reaching here, 25 (twenty-five) loaded trucks and 45 bullet tankers left Mao Gate this evening around 3.25 and are headed for the state capital, Imphal escorted by personnel of the 2nd MR.Manipur Works minister K.Ranjit along with media persons have gone to meet the drivers of the trucks at the Mao Gate area this morning.

However, tilt the filing of this report, the minister and the media persons were yet to return to Imphal.

This comes in close heels of the reported incident of Friday wherein 270 trucks heading for outside the state where stoned by bandh supporters thus forcing them to return to Imphal.

In the reported incident, windshields of four of the trucks were broken.

Following this incident, the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union and Manipur Drivers' Welfare Association had decided for a meeting on Saturday but was reportedly called off citing no specific reason.

Meanwhile, expressing concern over the lack of security and escort for the trucks, Bhupenchandra Ghosh, president, All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers' Union informed that there was fear in the minds of the drivers especially in their journey between Mao to Motbung.

He also stated that the numbers of escorts was too less in comparison to the high number of trucks.

He however, had high praises for the escorts between Khatkhati in Assam to Mao in Manipur.

Further expressing concern over the condition of the NH 39, the president stated that the condition of the road be improved as soon as possible.

Stating that it was also a matter of health concern for the drivers, Bhupenchandra Ghosh added that the bad condition of the highway could lead to accidents thus threatening the lives of the drivers.