Food items lifted sans permission?
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 18 2020: Even as the COVID-19 inflicted lockdown has thrown life out of gear, there has been reports of some powerful and influential people 'stealing' people's share of essential commodities.

According to reliable sources, a commotion broke out between police and some 'powerful persons' at Mantripukhri godown today.

The commotion broke out as police stopped loading of daily essential items- potatoes and onions, said the source adding there is apprehension that those in power are using their influence to load and 'steal' people's share of essential commodities in the dark of night.

"There are reports that some of those in power are lifting essential commodities from godowns in the wee hours," said the sources alleging there is also trouble inside the Government regarding the issue.

On the other hand, necessary steps are being taken up to shelter truckers engaged in ferrying fuels from Assam said Government officials today.

During a visit today to Malom oil depot, Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu, DGP LM Khaute, Health Director Dr K Rajo and IOCL officials met with the truckers and heard their grievances.

The officials gave strict instructions to the truckers not to go home amidst the coronavirus outbreak and assure them of all possible assistance to address their grievances.

Considering the importance of their duty and risk they are taking in ferrying fuels, the truckers requested incentive of Rs 1,000 per day from the Government.

Dr J Suresh Babu assured them that he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister for discussion and a possible decision in the next Cabinet meeting.

Meanwhile, IOCL has started taking up steps to give shelter to the truckers, said officials, said sources.

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