Guwahati, May 23
The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) has resorted to airlifting of petrol, diesel and kerosene to Imphal (Manipur) from here to tide over the acute fuel crisis in the landlocked state due to indefinite blockade at the arterial National Highway 39.

Manipur government spokesman and Cabinet minister N Biren Singh today informed that it would take some more time for restoration of normal supply of petroleum fuels in the state. The IOC has requisitioned an IL76 aircraft of Indian Air Force (IAF) to airlift fuel to Imphal from Assam.

The Manipur minister informed that yesterday 100 trucks carrying essentials rolled into Manipur under heavy security through NH-53 while 56 more trucks, including some oil tankers entered the state through the same route today.

“However, the crisis of essentials and fuel is far from over and it will take some more time for restoration of normal supply,” he informed.

The IOC airlifted 48,000 litres of diesel from Guwahati to Imphal on Saturday and that would suffice to partly cater to the need of VVIPs, police and security forces. The IOC also airlifted 32,000 litres of kerosene to Imphal.

The NH-39 is the normal route for sending petroleum fuels to Manipur through oil tankers. However, in view of the blockade at the highway by Naga Students Federation (NSF) and Naga students of Manipur, the IOC has diverted eight tank lorries and two LPG bullets via Silchar, Aizawl, Churachandpur, Imphal route along the NH-150.

Manipur Food and Civil Supplies Minister Y Erabot supervised escort for 300 trucks carrying essentials and medicines to Imphal through-NH 53 on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Naga students continue to block the NH-39 in protest against Manipur government’s opposition to the proposed visit of NSCN-IM leader TH Muivah to his birthplace Somdal in Ukhrul district of Manipur. Even as Muivah who has pitched his camp at Viswema village near Nagaland -Manipur boundary, has reiterated his firmness to visit Somdal, Manipur CM Okram Ibobi Singh has said Manipur government would never allow Muivah to enter Manipur.