IMPHAL, September 7: Irrespective of whether the FCI gives the clearance or not for transporting essential PDS items such as rice and sugar along the NH-37, there is no question of recalling the security forces from Ukhrul, stated Chief Mnister Okram Ibobi while interacting with the media during an inspection tour of JNIMS today.
He said even though there is no permit to lift essentials items like rice and sugar from the FCI gowdown in Jiribam due to the prevailing situation in the State; the government has given instructions to the FCI officials to dothe needful so as to enable ferrying these PDS items from Jiribam to Imphal.
The government will transport these PDS items along the NH-37 in the interest of the people of Manipur.
Replying to queries about the trucks ferrying PDS items not being included among those which were provided with security escorts on Saturday, he said people need not be worried as the stock of essential items like rice and sugar in the Imphal FCI godown will last for at least two more months.
The first priority of the government is on petroleum products like petrol, diesel and air turbine fuel, keeping this in mind, the government has decided to haul them first, CM Ibobi said, adding that the State government has taken up some policies to avoid this problem in the future.
Stressing that the withdrawing of security forces from Ukhrul solely depends on the law and order situation in Ukhrul, he said the condition that would warrant total withdrawal of the forces from Ukhrul does not exist as of now.
If the law and order improves in any given area or district why would the government deploy more forces there. The same goes for Ukhrul, he added.
He however assured that if the law and order improves in the Ukhrul, prohibitory orders under Section 144 of CrPC and the security forces will be removed automatically.
Shifting track on the two major national highways of Manipur, CM Ibobi said now we have to concentrate on the two lifelines of Manipur as an economic blockade has been imposed by UNC.