IMPHAL, July 11: Thousands of people were seen flocking to Khwairamband Keithel, Singjamei Market, Pishumthong Market, Kwakeithel Market and Lamphel Super Market during the curfew relaxation to buy daily essential commodities.
Curfew was relaxed from 5am to 10 am today.
Many of the daily essential commodities including vegetables were sold at higher rates, however, people were not deterred from buying it in view of the indefinite curfew imposition.
Due to the large number of people coming out during the five hour curfew relaxation to buy daily needs in advance, there were massive jams at Wahengbam Leikai, Sagolband Road, Uripok Kangchup Road, Nagamapal, Paona Bazar, Thangal Bazar, Dharmasala, MG Avenue and BT Road.
After the police used loudspeakers to ask the people to return back to their places at the end of the curfew relaxation at 10 am, Imphal city wore a deserted look with all the shops closed down.
However, there is no news of any untoward incident both in Imphal West and Imphal East district during the five hours curfew relaxation.
Meanwhile, altogether 143 loaded oil tankers coming through National Highway`“2 (Imphal-Dimapur Road) have able to reach Imphal during the five hours curfew relaxation today.
It may be mentioned that an indefinite curfew was clamped in Imphal West and East district from 4 pm of July 8 in view of the present tense situation in the districts following the death of a student of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy while staging a protest demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit System in the state.
According to official reports received by IFP, the 143 loaded oil tankers include 43 LPG Bullet tankers, one SK Oil and three Air Traffic Fuel (ATF) tankers. The remaining are petrol and diesel tankers.
The loaded oil tankers which have reached the capital today are above the 118 loaded oil tankers in standing position in Imphal.
Along with the 143 loaded oil tankers reaching the capital, a total of 25 empty oil tankers have also able to pass Imphal for loading fuel from various supply points during the five hours curfew relaxation today.