Photo Courtesy: nenow
Imphal: A breakdown in coordination between Manipur police and central security agencies has halted hundreds of trucks on National Highway 37. The impasse over security escort requirements left essential goods and fuel tankers stuck for days while authorities struggled to manage convoy logistics.
On June 18, the Director General of Police for Manipur requested six security convoys from the CRPF Inspector General for Manipur and Nagaland. The plan intended to facilitate the movement of loaded trucks from Jiribam and Assam to Imphal, alongside return trips for empty vehicles. The CRPF ultimately reduced the number of escorts, citing hazardous highway conditions and crew fatigue. This decision limited the deployment to two convoys for loaded trucks and one for empty vehicles.
While 515 vehicles eventually received clearance, including 300 carrying petroleum and essential supplies, roughly 800 trucks have faced delays. The Manipur Truck Owners Welfare Association had prepared 48 vehicles for security personnel, but only 16 were utilized following the reduction in operations.
Drivers are increasingly frustrated as they rely on this route due to ongoing blockades on National Highway 2. Maimom Anil, General Secretary of the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union, noted that the current focus on fuel tankers ignores broader transportation needs. He stated, "The concerns of drivers are being overlooked." Anil has called on the state government to bolster security by deploying personnel from the 10th and 11th IRB battalions to stabilize the corridor.
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