Y Erabot restores FCS rice to its rightful place
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 23:
Responding to the report that truckloads of FCS rice have been intercepted by the NSCN (IM) on NH-53 while they were being smuggled outside Manipur, FCS Minister Y Erabot today personally went to Nungba in Tamenglong district and restored the rice to its rightful place, at the FCS godown at Nungba sub-division.
Mention may be made here that the rice consignment was taken over by the police after the IM group had confiscated it.
Asserting that those behind the act of trying to siphon off the rice would not be allowed to go scot free, Erabot today personally inspected the quality of the recovered rice as well as studied the course of the probe being taken up.
Though the truck loads of rice had been recovered, the Minister made sure that its content would not be adulterated and hence made it sure that it was deposited at the Nungba FCS godown.
Speaking to newsmen, Erabot said that the matter would not taken easily, especially in the backdrop of the fact that the State may face shortage of rice due to the recent floods.
Even if the smuggling attempt was made by the underground organisations, any officials and employees found working in cahoots with them will not be spared, thundered Erabot.
The guilty will be booked under the Essential Commodities Act or even the NSA, asserted the FCS Minister.
Erabot informed that the identities of four of the trucks have been established and added that if any names of the owners have been changed in the interregnum, their identities would be unearthed.
Sounding a stern warning, Erabot said that the Investigating Officer in the case should not take the matter lightly and the same has been intimated to the officer concerned.
Speaking further, Erabot said the drivers have been released on bail.
The Minister also interacted with the representatives of Nungba Village Authority.