Imphal, May 26 2010: Goodwill mission of Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, E Erabot which aimed at easing blockade and counter blockade and brings harmony among the people of different communities residing on the stretch of the NH-53 began today.

Wangkhei Development Committee organised the first felicitation function at Khurai Thoidingjam Leikai.

Responding to the appeal made by the minister, people imposing counter blockade immediately lifted the ban imposed on the transportation of essential commodities in Ukhrul district by the womenfolk of the area.

They also assured that the commodities they seized from transporting to Ukhrul will be returned back to the owners.

Later, the minister proceeded to Kakching where members of Joint Non-governmental Voluntary Organisation received him in a public gathering at Library and Information Centre.

During interaction with the minister, the people there clarified that they had not imposed any counter blockade there except the instance of blocking all goods items on May 10, the day on which a demonstration rally was organised in the area.

The further informed that as usual everyday hundreds of hill people came for shopping, marketing and selling their goods at Kakching market.

Speaking to the people, minister, Y Irabot said that if trucks are escorted on the NH-53 thrice in a week, within the three weeks, the stock position of all kinds of essential commodities will be replenished.

He also said that it would be best to use NH-53 until normalcy is resumed on the NH-39.Earlier also government used collect PDS items from FCI godowns at Premnagar for distributing to the people of Tamenglong district.

It is not feasible to think of procuring the essential items on Guite road which is 512 km long and airlifting, he observed.

Meanwhile, government sources have expressed concern over the proposed tour of Minister Y Irabot to Noney on NH-53, where he is planning to hold a public meeting tomorrow.

Minister Irabot has requested the State Home Department to provide security personnel for the tour and public meeting at Noney.

However, the sources said that it would be right on the part of the Minister to postpone his tour to Noney tomorrow.

Because the convoy of goods trucks, oil tankers and gas bullet tankers will be returning on NH-53 to Imphal tomorrow.

If any unwanted incidents happen during the meeting or the tour, it would disturb the convoy's movment which will affect the situation in Manipur.

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