IMPHAL, May 21: The maiden trip of the state consumers affairs and food distribution minister Y Irabot was very successful today as the whole stretch of the National Highway-53 from Imphal to Jiribam was found to be having no problems caused by the current economic blockade called by some Naga bodies.

The minister accompanied by his security escorts conducted personal inspection along the National Highway-53 which started from 7.30 am this morning from Imphal to overview the disturbances as well as the present road condition along the route which is a second lifeline for the state.

The smooth tour of the minister along the national highway today was welcomed by the communities settled along the highway as the minister took the opportunity of interacting with various community leaders during the tour upto Jiribam subdivisional headquarters.

FCS minister Y Irabot told the IFP that the constant fear of disturbaces had created unnecessary problems in terms of transportation of various essential items into the state following the serious disturbances caused along NH-39 due to the economic blockade over the holding of ADC elections.

There was no sign of disturbance during his visit along the route and the state government’s reluctance to bring the essential items along this route into the state was unfounded.

He further disclosed that it was very unfortunate on the side of the state government that false information had been given to the Centre that the NH-53 had been seriously affected and was not fit for transportation of essential items, thereby drawing attention for the maintenance and repair of NH-150 as an alternative route.

In fact, the minister’s tour along the route could be taken as a reaffirmation for NH-53 being chosen as a secondary lifeline.

He further mentioned that the state government had chosen a lengthy road, the Guite Road, for transporting essential commodities into the state. The expenditure, labour and time was a disadvantage on this road but the government had chosen this route despite knowing of this disadvantage.

The minister further mentioned that during his journey he encountered a total of 285 goods laden trucks stranded at various portions of the NH-53 route beyond the Makru bridge waiting for the security escorts. Besides, in a major solution to the counter economic blockade at Jiribam subdivision the protest was made to wind up following intervention by the minister.

The minister further mentioned that though there has been no security escort provided by the state government, the maximum goods laden trucks which had been stranded at Jiribam will be brought back to Imphal tomorrow including rations and other essential items meant for Tamenglong, he added.

~ Imphal Free Press