CM plays Kohima bogeyman, questions queues at petrol pumps
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 17 2011: In view of the highway blockade being imposed of the UNC, the State Government is sceptical of taking Imphal-Dimapur route for transporting essential goods though it is comparatively shorter and in much better shape.

In spite of the blockade, trucks can move up to Mao with security escorts but from Mao to Dimapur, the State has no authority and it cannot guarantee safety of the transporters within the whole length of the highway beyond Mao, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi.

Speaking at an awareness programme about UPA and SPF Governments' flagship programmes at the premises of Ibudhou Naothingkhong Pakhangba at Thangmeiband this afternoon, Ibobi conveyed that the Centre has asked the State Government to deploy security forces to neutralise the blockade.

However, the State Government has been refraining from such measures as the State is being governed by a democratic Government, not by the military.

Promoting panic buying or essentially a case of lack of fuel ? Vehicles queue up outside Tiddim petrol pump on Nov 17 night

On the position of fuel in the State, the Chief Minister said that all efforts are being made to make them available to the people and added that the condition of the bridge at Silchar threw the efforts of the Government into jeopardy for some time.

The Chief Minister added that the long queues outside petrol pumps have compounded the matter and promoted panic buying among the people.

Stating that Manipur is inhabited by different communities since time immemorial, Ibobi underscored the need to promote the sense of fraternity and harmonious co-existence among different communities.

The Government has been working hard to address the problem of shortage of essential commodities including petroleum products.

Ibobi exuded confidence that the ongoing peace-talk between Delhi and NSCN-IM can bring the latter to the mainstream.

Certain demands and wishes can be raised as bargaining chips of the dialogue, but when it comes translating these demands into action, the concerned State Government should be consulted, Ibobi asserted.

Reacting to the BJP's allegation that Congress has been scheming to disintegrate Manipur, Ibobi reiterated that Congress party would never compromise the integrity of Manipur.

Sating that the question of integrity is very sensitive issue, Ibobi advised BJP not to indulge in provocative propaganda.

Even as the phumdi dwellers of Loktak Lake are illegal encroachers, around 14/15 crores have been spent in paying compensation to them.

Planning Commission Member BK Chaturvedi, after inspecting Loktak Lake from aeroplane to check whether progress of the phumdi clearance work was compatible with the amount invested, refused to visit Loktak again after seeing the multitude of phumdis floating on the lake, Ibobi stated.

Regarding burning of houses built on phumdis, Ibobi clarified that the houses were burnt down their owners after taking compensation amount from the LDA.

Stating that the State needs a stable Government for its speedy development, Ibobi appealed to the gathering to elect Congress candidates from all the seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipal area.