Imphal, January 03: Prolonged detention of hundreds of trucks at FCI godown, Sangaiprou and preventing them from unloading the rice transported from Dimapur FCI godown on the alleged ground that ten other trucks have not arrived yet, has put the truck drivers and all other persons concerned in a frustrating situation.

Incensed with the restrictions imposed, the truck drivers have demanded to know why they are being detained and not allowed to unload the rice.

All the trucks loaded with rice (super fine- Grade A) from FCI godown Dimapur reportedly arrived at FCI godown, Sangaiprou one after another between December 25 to 31.The trucks have been hired by one transport contractor, M/s Northern Agency for the purpose.

According to information received by the press, the present impasse has come about after the officials of FCI godown at Sangaiprou allegedly issued challan receipt against seven trucks although they have sold off the rice brought from FCI godown, Dimapur along the way about two months back.

The total monetary value of the rice (super fine Grade A) sold off by the seven trucks, estimated at the rate of Rs 800 per quintal, is said to be over Rs 8 lakhs.

Talking to media persons, some of the drivers who are being detained near the FCI godown at Sangaiprou wanted to know why they should be made to suffer.

When they approached officials of the godown to relieve them, they were asked to raise the question to the transport contractor, and the transport contractor in turn sent them to the godown officials, the drivers lamented.

Even as they are being made to shuttle between the godown officials and the transport contractors with none understanding their difficulties, the security guards at the godown have asked them to move out from the area in view of the law and order situation and to avoid any untoward incident, the drivers said.

The drivers have demanded that the State Government should provide adequate security to avoid any untoward incident as long as they are being detained and categorically stated that they should not be held responsible for any eventuality.

As they have been detained for so long, the food stock is running low, said the drivers and added that lack of drinking water and toilet facilities are inconveniencing them no end.

Moreover the trucks are incurring a loss of over Rs 1000 per day on an average.

When media persons contacted the in-charge of the FCI godown over the matter, he just said the drivers have been not allowed to unload the river due to certain problems without elaborating on it.

Assistant Manager of FCI office at Yaiskul who is also presently in charge of the District Manager, however, said that he himself at investigated into the matter and the godown officials have rule out the question of missing rice.

The matter could be sorted out after the arrival of the District Manager who is likely to make an enquiry on the matter, he hastened to add.

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