Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 09 2010:
Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Y Erabot has announced that an alternative means would be adopted for lifting rice and sugar within the next couple of days if the agitating transporters of FCI continue with the strike.
The transporters are on a strike demanding resolution of the matter with regard to the demand of NSCN (K) for paying Rs 50 lakhs from the Department.
The NSCN (K) is currently undergoing a peace process with the Government of India.
To discuss the strike of the transporters and its subsequent impact on transportation of rice and sugar, a meeting was reportedly held in the office chamber of the Minister today.
The meeting was attended by officials of FCI and transport contractors.
During the meeting, the FCI officials exerted pressure for resolution of the matter related to the demand of NSCN (K) at the level of the Government.
The FCI officials and the transport contractors also pointed out that the goods laden trucks that were held up at Dimapur had only been allowed to move only after the much pressure on the Centre for prevailing upon the NSCN (K) .
However, the Minister made it clear that only 2 to 3 days time would be given for resuming transportation of the PDS items.
Otherwise, an alternative means would be adopted.