Supply Of Fuel resumes in Blockade-Hit Manipur

Imphal, Nov 11 : Manipur heaved a sigh of relief on Thursday as the state government took steps to ensure that supply of fuel resumes at 28 selected oil pump outlets.

Fuel though was being sold at an exorbitant price due to the economic blockade that was imposed by certain factions.

The administration has taken the initiative to escort 129 loaded trucks, including 86 oil tankers and 17 LPG bullet tankers into the city.

"There is some sort of relief as most of the pumps are opened and are providing a certain limited amount of fuel through a rationalized system to make the public avail fuel," said Ibochou Singh, a local resident.

Residents said that they managed to get fuel through the rationalized system imposed by the government.

"We appreciate the initiative taken by the government in making us avail the fuel, and has somehow given relief in the hard times," said Meiraba, a local resident.

Manipur has been facing an acute shortage of fuel for more than three months due to a blockade imposed by an ethnic tribal group that has been demanding the creation of a separate Sardar Hills district.

The Sadar Hills District Demand Committee started its agitation on August 1, seeking conversion of the Kuki-majority Sadar hills area in Naga-majority Senapati district into a full-fledged district.

The United Naga Committee, opposing the Kukis' demand, began a counter-blockade.