A day after Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam announced that an agreement had been reached with petroleum transporters to resume operations under enhanced security, petroleum product tankers did not join today’s security convoy from Imphal to Jiribam, raising questions over the implementation of the understanding.
Instead, around 150 empty goods trucks, escorted by heavy security comprising CRPF personnel, including CoBRA units, left Imphal along National Highway-37. No petroleum tankers were seen in the convoy.
The development comes despite the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Product Transporters’ Fraternity, Retail Outlet Dealers, LPG Distributors and Drivers’ Associations announcing the withdrawal of its “Steering Wheel Down Strike” after the government assured enhanced security and a review of the existing convoy system.
According to the consortium, the state government, represented by the Chief Minister, the Home Department and the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, had agreed to revise the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for convoy movement and notify it in the State Gazette as a permanent measure to curb extortion along NH-37.
To strengthen security, the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) has issued fresh directions deploying dedicated police teams along the vulnerable Kambiron-Sibilong and Makru-Old Kaiphundai stretches in Tamenglong district. Inspector General of Police (Zone-III) Kamei Angam Romanus has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee convoy security, while district police have been instructed to intensify anti-extortion drives and coordinate with the CRPF, Assam Rifles and the Army.
The transporters’ agitation began on July 31 after they alleged rampant extortion and inadequate security along NH-37. Although the strike was formally called off following the government’s assurances, the absence of petroleum tankers from Tuesday’s convoy indicates that transporters remain hesitant to resume movement until the promised security measures are fully implemented.