Fuel transporters in Manipur have decided to continue their strike despite signing an MoU with the state government, saying operations will resume only after the promised police order is issued and reviewed.
Imphal, August 1: The ongoing strike by Manipur's petroleum product transporters and associated organisations will continue for now despite the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government on Saturday evening, with transport bodies stating that they will wait for the issuance and review of an official police order before taking a final decision.
The decision emerged after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh at the Cabinet Hall of the Chief Minister's Secretariat in Babupara on Saturday. The meeting was attended by senior government officials and representatives of the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Fraternity, Retail Outlet Dealers, LPG Distributors and Drivers' Associations.
Following the meeting, representatives of the transport organisations informed members that although the government had agreed to their key demands and conditions, the strike would remain in force until the Police Department formally issues an order implementing the agreed measures.
Met with representatives of the Transport Union, along with senior State Government officials, to discuss the prevailing conditions on our highways.
— Khemchand Yumnam (@YKhemchandSingh) August 1, 2026
We reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening highway security and ensuring the safe, smooth movement of passengers and goods. A… pic.twitter.com/eGh6Zm0Ka0
According to the communication circulated after the meeting, Sunday's gathering of transport organisations will review the official order, once issued, along with all stakeholders before deciding whether to call off or continue the agitation.
Government agrees to key operational measures
Under the MoU signed on Saturday, both sides agreed on a series of measures aimed at improving the security and coordination of fuel convoys travelling along National Highway-37, the state's principal supply route.
The agreement provides for the formation of a Coordination Committee headed by the Commissioner (Home), Government of Manipur. The committee will include representatives from the Police Department, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Department, and members of the transporters' consortium.
The committee has been tasked with reviewing and revising the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) governing convoy movement on NH-37. It will submit its recommendations to the government within one month, following which the revised SoP will be notified in the State Gazette.
The government also agreed that the Home Department and Police Headquarters (PHQ) would issue directions to all district Superintendents of Police and CRPF units to ensure strict compliance with the existing convoy SoP until a revised protocol is notified.
Another important provision of the agreement is the appointment of a Nodal Officer to oversee convoy operations along NH-37. The designated officer will also appoint Sub-Nodal Officers in every district through which the convoys pass.
The MoU further states that the Nodal Officer will conduct monthly reviews of convoy operations, or more frequently if required by the prevailing security situation.
In addition, district police chiefs have been directed to launch special drives against extortion by miscreants operating along the highway, one of the principal grievances raised by transporters during the strike.
Home Department initiates implementation
Soon after the agreement was signed, the Home Department moved to initiate implementation of the decisions.
In a letter dated August 1, Special Secretary (Home) A. Subhash Singh wrote to the Director General of Police, Manipur, requesting immediate action on the commitments made under the MoU.
The communication asked the Police Department to:
Issue directions to all district SPs and CRPF units to strictly follow the existing convoy SoP.
Appoint a Nodal Officer for NH-37 convoy movement and ensure Sub-Nodal Officers are designated in all districts.
Ensure regular monthly reviews of convoy movement by the Nodal Officer, or more frequently if necessary.
Direct district police chiefs to undertake special drives to curb extortion along NH-37.
The Home Department enclosed a copy of the signed MoU while requesting prompt implementation of the agreed measures.
Strike remains in force
Despite the government's assurances, transport organisations have made it clear that the agitation has not yet been withdrawn.
Representatives said the strike would continue until they receive and examine the formal police order implementing the agreed decisions. They added that a collective decision would be taken on Sunday after consulting all stakeholders within the consortium.
The strike, launched by the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters' Fraternity, Retail Outlet Dealers, LPG Distributors and Drivers' Associations, has affected the transportation of petroleum products and LPG across the state. The organisations had been demanding stronger security arrangements for convoys using NH-37 and effective measures to curb extortion and other threats faced by transporters.
Sunday's review meeting is expected to determine whether the transport bodies will suspend the strike or continue their agitation depending on the contents and implementation of the official police order.
