Imphal, November 04 2008: Chief Minister O Ibobi has assured the agitating All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association that patrolling along NH-39 will be intensified.

Demanding highway protection force along NH 39 after KLO/KLA cadres burnt down an inter-State bus at Lahorijan, Assam on October 23 killing two passengers in the process, the transporters' association has suspended inter-State bus service since then.

The Chief Minister convened a meeting with representatives of the All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association this morning.

Talking to media persons after the meeting, president of the association, Athokpam Budha Luwang conveyed about the Chief Minister's assurance to intensify patrolling along NH 39 and to distribute ex-gratia to families of the deceased passengers.

The Chief Minister's assurance will be discussed tomorrow in a meeting of the association, he said.

In addition to enhancing the duties of police stations and outposts located along NH-39 in Manipur sector, highway patrolling will be intensified, the Chief Minister reportedly stated.

On the question of setting up highway protection force, Ibobi asked for more time, Budha conveyed.

Ibobi also informed the transporters' representatives about the State Govt's intimation to Army's 3 Corps to help in providing security along NH-39 in Nagaland and Assam sectors.

On being pressed to give the assurance in black and white, the CM stated that he would direct the Transport Minister to issue a written assurance.