Correspondent
IMPHAL, AUG 1 (NPN): The Manipur government on Saturday resolved to strengthen security escorts for goods transport vehicles along the Imphal–Jiribam section of NH‑37 and review the existing standard operating procedure (SOP) in force.
The decision followed a “steering wheel down strike” launched by the Manipur Petroleum Transporters & Drivers Association (MPTDA) earlier in the day. The association alleged that the government had failed to address their demands, particularly the rampant collection of illegal taxes from POL tankers by militants and criminal elements.
As a result of the strike, transportation of petrol, diesel and LPG from Malom depot, Imphal was suspended, leading to panic buying across the state. Long queues were seen at petrol pumps, while several outlets displayed “Petrol Nil” signboards after exhausting stocks.
In view of the crisis, chief minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh convened a high‑level meeting with senior officials and representatives of transport bodies. The meeting was attended by Special Secretary (Home) A. Subhas Singh, CAF&PD director Y. Nelson, and seven representatives from the Consortium of Petroleum Products Transporters Fraternity, LPG Distributors and Drivers’ Association, along with retail outlet dealers.
After deliberating on the prevailing security scenario along NH‑37, the meeting resolved to review the SOP governing security escorts for transporters. A coordinating committee headed by the commissioner (home) will be constituted, with members from the state police, CRPF (currently responsible for providing escorts), CAF&PD and transporters’ bodies. The committee will submit recommendations for a revised SOP within a month.
Pending the new SOP, district SPs along NH‑37 will coordinate with CRPF in escorting transport vehicles. Security forces deployed along the highway will also conduct special drives to curb extortion and illegal taxation. Following these assurances, petroleum transporters agreed to suspend the strike with immediate effect, though no official statement was issued by the association at the time of filing this report.
After the meeting, the chief minister wrote on his official social media handles that the government had discussed the prevailing highway conditions with transport unions and senior officials. He emphasized strengthening highway security to ensure safe, reliable and uninterrupted transportation, reiterating that the safety of people and smooth movement of goods remain his government’s highest priority.