Imphal, June 08 2010: Despite all the measures taken up by the Government to bring in essential commodities along NH53 with the help of security escorts, the Government's efforts have not been able to meet the needs of the people satisfactorily.

Though essential commodities and other items including petroleum products, rice, cement, steel, potatos, dal etc are being brought in steadily since May 22, these items still remain as scarce as before.

However, these are available in plenty in the black markets.

Except for fuel and cooking gas, prices of all other commodities have not come down a bit.

This has aroused a strong suspicion among the people whether unscrupulous elements have been capitalising on the situation in connivance with some big traders for their own personal gains.

The scarcity of essential commodities and sky-high prices which has refused to come down to the normal rates have belied all the efforts of the Government to bring in fuel, rice and fertilizers on priority basis.

Nevertheless, cement and steel are being brought in steadily but uninterrupted.

There is also strong suspicion that security personnel detailed to escorts vehicles from Jiribam and Silchar have been demanding Rs 100 from each vehicle which they have been escorting particularly trucks, tankers and bullet tankers.

According to information received from Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, 89 tankers and bullet tankers loaded with petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG reached Imphal on May 22 followed by 54 tankers and bullet tankers carrying petrol, diesel and LPG on May 27/28.Again, 14 petrol and diesel tankers were brought to Imphal on May 29 followed by one diesel tanker and 14 tankers loaded with kerosene and LPG today.

So far, around 309.02 quintals of rice have been brought to Imphal with security escorts, informed an official source.

Of the petrol and diesel tankers which reached Imphal in two batches, 300 Kilolitres each were distributed on both the occasions whereas all the LPG were distributed to the public.

At present, 320 Kls of petrol and 1231 Kls of diesel are in stock.

The Government is working to distribute petrol and diesel for school van service and agricultural purposes.

Except for Government controlled items, all other goods brought with security escorts are being sold at exorbitant prices in black markets providing no relief to the common people.