IMPHAL, November 23: “In consideration of the hardship faced by the state due to the prolonged counter economic imposed along the National Highways in the state by the United Naga Council the state government has decided to send feelers to the agitating Naga bodies to bring an amicable solution to the impasse” IFCD minister and SPF spokesperson N Biren briefed media persons after a cabinet meet this evening at the Chief Minister’s bungalow.
The minister also added that the Naga bodies should consider the approaching Christmas festival, which is celebrated throughout the hills and valley districts of the state, and should come to the talk table at the earliest and end the impasse.
He further informed that the government has been sending feelers to the agitating bodies; however the bodies have failed to reciprocate to the government till date. This notwithstanding, the government will approached the bodies at the earliest and try to bring an end to the counter blockade at the earliest, he added.
Further elaborating on the issue, the minister informed that during today’s meet, the government had discussed the various demands of the Naga bodies and the government has further decided to chalk out a way to bring the agitating bodies to the talk table.
The minister further informed that the government will try to bring an amicable solution to the sufferings of the people through a dialogue with the Naga bodies at the earliest.
“Coming to other issues in the state, the cabinet has also decided to uplift the rationing of fuel from tomorrow”, the minister further informed.
He also added that the cabinet after considering the increase in the frequency of transportation of petroleum products in the state and the subsequent increase in stock at the state oil depot, the government has decided to lift the rationing of petroleum products in the allocated petrol pumps from tomorrow.
The minister has also informed that even though there will be open sale of fuel from tomorrow, preference will be given to those who have the official verification to purchase fuel from the oil pumps tomorrow, however normal open sale will be made effective from November 25. He further added that oil pumps will not entertain anyone with containers; however it will be exempted for government officials and departments with authorised official permits.
Further according to the SPF spokesperson, the available petrol stock in the state oil depot will last for another six days, whereas diesel will also last for another six days.
“In the meantime, in an attempt to maintain adequate fuel stock in the state, the cabinet has also decided to priorities fuel transportation into the state. The cabinet has also decided that fuel transporters of the state will be allowed to make additional two trips in a week under full security provision along the NH 53, however the two additional trips will solely be for petroleum products”, the minister added.
The cabinet meeting had further approved the appointment on contract basis of 500 chowkidars cum peons for the newly established schools under the Autonomous District Councils, the spokesperson informed.
The cabinet has further approved the deputation of N Babuchand Singh addl chief engineer (civil) as chief engineer in charge of MSRDA from November beginning, upgradation of Sikhong Nagar Panchayat to municipality status.
The cabinet has also decided to absorb all Jr MCS officers to direct MCS category through an amendment of the Manipur Civil Service Rule 2007.
The cabinet has also approved the appointment of nine food safety officers each for all the nine districts of the state.