Manipur Govt takes steps to procure food, fuel

IMPHAL, May 11 – Manipur Minister for Consumers Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Yunkham Erabot has assured that the problems relating to food and fuel scarcity in the State would be sorted out within a week’s time.

Minister Erabot’s assurance came after the economic blockade on National Highways and subsequent unrest arising out of NSCN-IM leader Th Muivah’s proposed trip to the State dealt severe blows to normal life in the State.

The Minister said that the government has taken up steps to procure essential items from FCI godown at Silchar to replenish the depleting food stocks. The FCI has given clearance for collection of the State quota of rice, sugar and other items. The stock will be replenished within a week’s time, he said and added that at present, 567 kilolitres of petrol, 1611 kilolitres of diesel, 218 ATF, 856 kilolitres of kerosene are in the government oil depots.

These stocks have been left after distribution to the oil pumps on rationing system and have been kept reserved for emergency needs of security forces and the government.

Hospitals in the State have announced that routine operations will be suspended while petrol pumps have remained closed for the last few days.

Currently, prices of all essential commodities have been hiked double the actual prices. The prices of petrol and diesel have been hiked three times the government control rate in the black market.

Imphal-Churachandpur Transporters and Owners Welfare Association staged a sit-in demonstration here on Monday in protest against blockade of the State’s life line.

The Association also announced that they would not be able to take the wheels until and unless there is enough fuel for the transporters.