Healthcare workers fume as oil pump shuts abruptly by CAF&PD staff
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 04 2020: Healthcare workers who have been working in the frontline facing coronavirus were fumed as they were 'denied' fuel at an oil pump amidst an order of the CAF&PD that made them make long queue today.

An order of the Department had directed the healthcare workers to refuel their vehicles at Tera Highway Petroleum today.

However, after a few were allowed to buy fuel, the pump abruptly shut down as "two staff of the CAF&PD" came and "stopped" the sale of the fuel, said sources.

As commotion broke out between the healthcare workers and CAF&PD staff, Imphal West Police Additional SP and other officials rushed to the spot and tried to pacify both sides, added the source.

Expressing extreme anger, a woman healthcare worker, after the commotion, said that they had earlier went to PCTC Khoyathong but they were told to buy fuel at Tera Highway Petroleum.

As they reached the gas station at Tera, they were told by police, who were already there, to show their ID-cards as proof for medical profession and buy fuel.

But after a few refuel their vehicles, two staff of CAF&PD came and shut the station, she alleged condemning the CAF&PD for the incident.

"Healthcare workers are working round the clock amidst the lockdown due to coronavirus.

We are performing our duties without any complaint amidst the fear of the virus.

But, if we are not provided the fuel necessary for our travel (to hospital), let us stay home," she said.

Meanwhile, manager of the gas station said that the fuel sale was not shut because of lack of stock.

"We were dispensing and selling fuel as per the order of the CAF&PD.

It was stopped because CAF&PD staff told us to.

We will resume if we get the order again," said the manager.

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