Road block sparks price hike, JD U blames Govt

Source:

Imphal, July 19 2013 : Noting sharp increase in prices of many essential commodities, particularly transport fuel consequent to complete cessation of goods transportation on the Imphal-dimapur route, Janata Dal (United) has accused the State Government of lacking will to address the situation.

Alleging callousness of the Government for the present situation which the political organisation described as ‘most serious’, JD (U) president M Tombi told mediapersons at its State unit office today that most petrol pumps in the capital city and Greater Imphal areas have shut down taking undue advantage of fuel transporters unable to cross the sunken zone near Kohima on the Imphal-Dimapur road.

Noting that customers have to stay in long queues to purchase petrol from a handful of fuel outlets that are still open while in the black market price of petrol has escalated to Rs 100 a litre, Tombi questioning efficiency of the State administration contended that failure to solve some specific issues in time is putting the common people in a distressful situation.

when prices of essential commodities could soar consequent to cessation of goods transportation service for 10-12 days then existence or efficiency of a Government is highly questionable, said the JD (U) State unit chief.

Conveying that he personally came across some transport operators stranded on the highway facing severe inconveniences as their journey expenditure amount had exhausted, he also informed that disagreement on whether or not to take the Jessami road has been a bone of contention amongst the drivers.

Acknowledging that drivers are reluctant to ply on the Jessami-Ukhrul route due to pitiable condition of the alternative road as well as on account of the said route being single-lane, Tombi also opined that Government of Manipur’s instruction that the stranded trucks take the Imphal-Jiribam road amounts to exposing the drivers to high risk as the second lifeline too is in a deplorable condition.

While applauding the State Government assurance that there will be adequate security arrangement on the Imphal-Jiribam road, he nevertheless reminded that making the highway friendly to transporters is more important than security arrangement.

Tombi also strongly criticised the Government according importance to the Imphal-Jiribam only at critical junctures rather than maintaining the route conducive enough for all forms of vehicular movement.

Suggesting that the State Government either exert pressure upon BRO authorities to deploy adequate man-power and machinery to develop the Imphal-Jiribam road expeditiously or hand-over the task to the State PWD, Tombi prevailed upon the Government to ensure that the masses do not suffer any further owing to suspension of transportation service.

Calling upon the State authorities to check possible hike in price of urea/fertilizer consequent to the road blockade near Kohima, Tombi said specific arrangement be made for farmers purchase fertilizers at subsidised rate.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India | India's No1 online News Magazine http://necalling.com/road-block-sparks-price-hike-jd-u-blames-govt/