Imphal, May 25: With the peeved All Tribal Students� Union, Manipur (Atsum) resuming its indefinite economic blockade on the lifelines of Manipur since midnight yesterday panic buying, especially fuel and cooking gas was witnessed even as late evening information suggests that over 350 goods-laden vehicles were heading towards Imphal. The panic situation is understandable as similar agitation on the two vital national highways connecting manipur with other States was enforced by students� body - ANSAM in 2005 lasted for an entire 52 days resulting in acute shortage of fuel and filled LPGs with the latter commanding a whooping Rs 1300. As talks between the Atsum and state government representatives on SC/ST reservation issue failed yesterday, the tribal student body announced the resumption of the economic blockade.

Atsum had already enforced a four-day economic blockade followed by a general strike yesterday.

Due to the multi-pronged agitation petrol pumps have begun to display �stock nil� signs even though the essential fuel can be purchased in the black-market at around Rs 55 to 60 till this evening.

Having experienced similar crunching situation during the ANSAM agitation in 2005, people could be seen driving off to fuel outlets located beyond the State capital and returning with either their vehicle tanks filled or bringing back filled containers for future use. It may be recalled that the ANSAM agitation had led to suspension of many passenger carriers like buses and light four wheelers including school vans and buses.

Then petrol price in the black market had escalated to was Rs 120 for a litre. �I experienced my worst family budget in my life during the 2005 economic blockade as I spent almost five times the amount I use to incur in normal times.

I was bankrupt and the same fate befall on the commoners of this land locked state.

Hence we want the government to bring about a permanent solution so that the ghost of 2005 might not rear its ugly head now,� confided one Ibohal Singh of Imphal. Atsum demands concerns incorporating certain points in the recently passed Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and Services (for SC/ST) Bill 2007 by the state assembly.

Atsum�s other demands include releasing of a panel list of over 10 percent of the total number of graduate teachers, who have been appointed recently and decentralising Tribal Department to grant more powers to its district level officers.

Sources said the Union might hold a second round of talks with the State government soon.

Meanwhile, police sources informed of 363 goods-laden trucks having left mao Gate at around 2.30 pm today under heavy security escorts. of the vehicle 103 are said to be fuel tankers, 59 LPG carriers and the rest other essential items.

These vehicles were stranded on the Manipur-Nagaland boundary due to imposition of the economic blockade. Similar security arrangement would be made on daily basis till the agitation lasts, added the sources. There is no report of any goods laden vehicles arriving from Jiribam bordering Assam on the NH 53.

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