Manipur's petroleum transport strike has been withdrawn after the government assured a review of the NH-37 convoy SOP. Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam also announced stricter action against highway extortion and possible commando redeployment.
Imphal, August 2: The steering wheel down strike launched by Manipur's petroleum transporters, retail outlet dealers, LPG distributors and drivers has been called off with immediate effect after the state government assured a review of the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for fuel convoy movement and announced stronger measures to curb illegal extortion along National Highway-37.
The decision came as the Manipur Police issued fresh security directives for the highway and Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam declared that those involved in illegal extortion would face strict action, while the government is seriously considering redeploying state police commandos for Road Opening Party (ROP) duties on the highway.
The strike, which began on July 31, was withdrawn following assurances from Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and initiatives taken by the Home Department and the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) Department.
According to a joint press release issued by the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Product Transporters Fraternity, Retail Outlet Dealers, LPG Distributors and Drivers Association, the government assured that the existing SOP governing the movement of petroleum products would be deliberated upon and reviewed. A revised SOP would subsequently be notified in the Manipur Gazette as a permanent solution to the long-standing issue of extortion targeting fuel transport vehicles.
With the strike called off, normal loading, unloading and distribution of petroleum products and LPG are expected to resume across the state.
The consortium thanked the state government, the media and the people of Manipur for their support and patience during the disruption.
Home Minister warns against illegal extortion
Meanwhile, Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam said the government would take stringent action against anyone involved in illegal tax collection or extortion along the National Highway.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday during a programme held under the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan, he said those engaging in unlawful extortion beyond the law would not be spared.
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"As advised by the Chief Minister, the government is seriously considering redeploying Manipur Police commandos for Road Opening Party (ROP) duties on the National Highway at the earliest to prevent such illegal activities," the Home Minister said.
He noted that state police commandos had earlier been deployed on the highway to check illegal tax collection but were withdrawn due to a shortage of state police personnel.
The minister also said the government was thoroughly investigating a viral video circulating on social media that allegedly showed illegal tax collection from vehicles. He warned that strict action would be taken against all those found involved.
Programme held under Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan
The Home Minister was speaking on the sidelines of a pledge-taking ceremony held under the "Gen-Z Against Addiction, Nasha Mukt Yuva" campaign, organised as part of the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.
The nationwide programme, organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, was virtually launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi across all states on Sunday.
In Manipur, the event was organised at the Auditorium Hall of Standard College, Kongba, Imphal East, where participants joined the national pledge against substance abuse.
Police issue fresh NH-37 security directions
A day earlier, the Office of the Additional Director General of Police (Law & Order), Manipur, issued a circular introducing enhanced security arrangements for convoy movement and petroleum transportation along NH-37.
Under the directions, the Inspector General of Police, Zone-III, has been appointed as the Nodal Officer to oversee all security arrangements along the highway, assisted by Sub-Nodal Police Commanders in each district.
The Nodal Officer has been directed to review convoy movement at least once every month, or more frequently depending on the security situation, in consultation with all stakeholders.
District Superintendents of Police along the highway have been instructed to strictly implement the existing SOP for convoy movement, while personnel of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) deployed on highway security duties are also to be briefed accordingly.
The circular also directs district police chiefs to launch special drives against extortion and strengthen public outreach to discourage illegal activities and raise awareness about the legal consequences of supporting extortionists or other criminal elements.
To improve security coordination, state police, CAPFs, the Assam Rifles and the Army have been directed to maintain close communication during convoy movement.
Vulnerable stretches identified
The police have identified two vulnerable stretches along NH-37 that require intensified security deployment:
Kambiron to Sibilong
Makru to Old Kaiphundai
Dedicated police teams led by Gazetted Officers will be stationed in these areas alongside personnel from the CAPFs and Assam Rifles to prevent extortion, intimidation, threats, abduction and other unlawful activities while ensuring the safe movement of fuel tankers and other essential commodities.
The government's enhanced security measures and the proposed revision of the convoy SOP come amid growing concerns over repeated incidents of illegal taxation and extortion along NH-37, one of Manipur's principal lifelines for the transportation of fuel and essential supplies.
