Imphal, October 01: Following the strike launched by the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union against the abduction of Sahauddin from Khatkati by unidentified gunmen on September 21, distribution of petrol and diesel to the public came to an abrupt halt today with most oil pumps remaining closed due to scarcity of fuel.

Mention may be made here that All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Driver Union had suspended all its services from September 27 as a mark of protest against the abduction of Sahauddin.

Talking to The Sangai Express, FCS Minister Ngamthang Haokip today informed that the State Govt on its part has already begun taking up necessary steps to meet the oil shortage in the Greater Imphal areas and further added that the State Govt along with the family members of Md Sahauddin is doing everything to secure the safe and unconditional release of the abducted driver within the shortest possible time.

The State Govt on its part too is doing everything within its means by seeking the help of the Assam Chief Minister as well as the DGP for the safe release of Md Sahauddin, added the Minister.

Minister Ngamthang Haokip also appealed to the transporters' organizations to resume their normal services and help redress the woes of the public who have been hit hard by the scarcity of petrol and diesel.

Mention may be made here that Chief Minister O Ibobi had sent a written statement to his Assam counterpart informing that Md Sahauddin had been abducted by suspected KRA as well as seeking help in rescuing the abducted driver from the clutches of the captors.

According to reports received by the press, Md Sahauddin had been abducted in connections with monetary demands by unidentified persons.

The monetary demands were made to the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Transport Assn, added the report.

Interacting with media-persons today, All Manipur Tankers Driver's Union president Bhupenchandra lamented that nothing concrete has been achieved till today for the safe release of Sahauddin despite holding talks with the Chief Minister and the FCS Minister.

He also strongly condemned the All Manipur Petroleum Product Transport Association for remaining silent over the abduction of Sahauddin.

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