Fuel rationing missive triggers long queues
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, June 21 2024:
Following directives from the joint secretary of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution (CAF&PD) to limit the issuance of petroleum products to retail outlets, long queues were observed at fuel stations across the state on Friday.
The directives were issued aftermath of concerns over dwindling stock of petroleum products in the state amid disruptions along National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam Road), though the situation has improved to some extent as trucks, including petroleum tankers, which were previously stranded, started departing from Jiribam on Friday.
They are expected to reach Imphal by Saturday morning, ensuring a steady supply of fuel.
An official from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) has assured that there will be no shortage of transport fuel in the state.
According to sources, approximately 50 trucks departed from Jiribam on Friday, while around 200 petroleum tankers, including LPG bullet tankers, are scheduled to leave for Imphal early Saturday morning.
This development fol lows efforts to alleviate logistical challenges and restore normalcy in petroleum distribution across the state.
On Friday, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed among various stakeholders, including Kuki Inpi Jiribam, Tamenglong & Noney, Kuki Inpi Women's Wing, Kuki Students' Organisation Jiribam & Tamenglong, the SP Tamenglong, Commandant of 39 Assam Rifles, and the Second-in-Command of the 87 Battalion CRPF.
This agreement was reached during a joint public meeting aimed at addressing the economic blockade called by Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Jiribam and Tamenglong.
The parties agreed to call off the economic blockade follow ing several key commitments.
As per the MoU, the district police of Tamenglong and Jiribam, along with other security forces deployed in these districts, will ensure the safe movement of essential commodities, commercial vehicles, and medical facilities to the Kuki-Zo communities in Jiribam and Tamenglong.
Additionally, the district police assured of apprehending and punishing those responsible for the abduction of Langgel Muangpu of Vengnom, Dibong Khunnou, Jiribam.
A joint checkpoint will be established near Phaital village, with both central and state forces deployed to maintain security.
Furthermore, the district police of Jiribam and Tamenglong, along with central forces, will take strict action against any radical elements or miscreants involved in intimidating the public and commercial businesses.
At the same time, a team representing Rongmei Civil Society Organisations (RNCM, RNYO, RNSOM, RNLP-GL) reached Lein-gangpokpi in Jiribam, where trucks carrying essential commodities have been stranded along NH-37 due to highway blockade imposed by the Kuki community.
Negotiations were carried out with the aim of resolving the situation amicably.