Rice transporters likely to miss convoy
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 05 2014 : Even though hectic preparations are on to send a large convoy of trucks to ship in essential commodities along Imphal-Jiribam highway together with adequate number of security escorts tomorrow, trucks which should be transporting rice are likely to miss the trip.

As the FCI regional office located at Imphal is being looked after by the Deputy General Manager in the absence of General Manager, there is no authority which can take urgent decisions and it has literally grounded rice transportation as well as loading and unloading activities.

The regional office is as good as dead and FCI is taking the Government of Manipur for a ride, said a source.

The term of the handling and transport contractor working at Jiribam FCI godown was not extended after it expired on August 31 last.

As a result, all loading and unloading activities have ceased.

At present, ten trucks loaded with rice which came from Jagiroad, Assam remained stationed at Jiribam FCI godown without being unloaded.

Transportation of rice along Imphal-Jiribam highway ceased even before the UNC's ban on vehicular movement on National Highways came into effect after the FCI Zonal Office based at Guwahati asked the transport agency which used to ferry rice along the highway to stop the same service.

Meanwhile, preparations are almost complete to send around 400 trucks along Imphal-Jiribam highway with adequate number of security escorts to ship in essential commodities tomorrow.

Manipur Police Headquarters have already informed all truck owners to keep their vehicles in tip-top condition so that they do not get impaired with any mechanical problem on the way.

Before the convoy is set off, advance security teams would be put on ROP duty at strategic points of the highway.

However, rice transporters would not be a part of the convoy as they have not given permission to ship in rice from Jiribam godown to Imphal.

On the other hand, the State Government is unable to issue necessary orders for transhipping PDS items from Jiribam to Imphal.

The failure of FCI to station the General Manager of FCI Regional Office, Imphal here is an indication of the FCI authority taking the Government of Manipur for a ride, added the source.

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