Govt, ATSUM set second date at CM's level
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 16 2014: Even though the economic blockade called by Emboi Serto led ATSUM came into effect this midnight, the State Government and the agitating student body are likely to hold a meeting tomorrow.

Among others, ATSUM has been demanding delegation of full powers to Autonomous District Councils, presentation and clearance of the Bill for changing tribal reservation rules by the State Assembly and conversion of IGNTU Manipur Campus into a full fledged university.

The State Government today made a renewed effort for negotiation with the Emboi Serto led ATSUM and the two sides are likely to come to the negotiating table tomorrow afternoon, informed a source.

File pic of stranded trucks on the highway during an earlier blockade

A late report informed that ATSUM has received a letter from the Secretary to the Chief Minister this afternoon indicating that a meeting would be held between the State Government and the student body at the Chief Minister's level tomorrow.

The two sides are expected to come to some sort of an understanding and this would pave way for calling off the economic blockade.

Meanwhile, IOC has taken up special measures to avoid shortage of petrol, diesel and cooking gas in the State because of the economic blockade.

A large number of oil tankers and LPG bullet trucks which remained stranded have been brought to Imphal with security escorts starting from February 15.Two loaded diesel tankers, 12 petrol tankers, 10 LPG bullets and one BPCL petrol tanker arrived here today.

With Government officials confident of working out a solution to the blockade call very soon, the State Government instructed IOC to issue fuel to retail outlets abundantly.

Accordingly, the depot was opened today even though it was Sunday and each pump was supplied 76 Kls each of petrol and diesel.

Moreover, the depot officials have been working till late evening today so as to ensure that ROs start distribution of fuel from early morning tomorrow.