Imphal, May 23 2010: Highlighting possibility of some security lapses regarding the injuries caused to transporters by blockade supporters on the Jiribam-Imphal highway today, the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association has sought attention of the Chief Minister to put in place stricter security arrangement between Awangkhul and Tupul along NH-53 .

Nevertheless, representatives of several transport organisations called on the Chief Minister O Ibobi today and conveyed their gratitude for facilitating movement of vehicles till Imphal which were stranded for several days at Jiribam and beyond.

The movement of the goods laden trucks from Jiribam to Imphal was initiated by Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Y Erabot on May 21, without requisitioning additional security forces from the State Home Department.

The transport organisations which called on the Chief Minister included MTOWA, AMISBA, AMBTA, ISRTWS, AMRTD, NWU, AMPTDU and MDWA.

Director and Deputy Director of Transport Department and Imphal West DTO were also present during the meeting.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, president of the Manipur Truck Owners' Welfare Association, H Ranjit said that credit for bringing in the stranded vehicles should go to the Government as a whole.

The Chief Minister has assured that distribution of 24 kilolitres of fuel oils for school vans, buses, goods and passenger carriers would begin from tomorrow, Ranjit conveyed.

The Government would be extending all possible assistance to the three drivers who sustained injuries in the attacks launched by blockade supporters on the highway today.

The three drivers are currently undergoing treatment at RIMS.

Ranjit also conveyed appreciation to the womenfolk of Noney who saved several vehicles from being vandalised and torched there by blockade supporters.

He quoted the Chief Minister as saying that the exact date of sending empty trucks for transportation of goods from outside the State would be intimated to the transporters after studying the law and order situation.

Later, representatives of the transport organisations together with Works Minister K Ranjit, Transport Minister L Jayantakumar and Chairman of State Planning Board Bijoy Koijam visited the injured drivers at RIMS.

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