Petrol pumps shut for second day

IMPHAL, April 23: The indefinite blockade called by the Zeliangrong Youth Front (ZYF) and Zaliangrong Student Union Manipur (ZSUM) along the two National Highways coupled with the indefinite strike called by the All Manipur Petroleum Tankers Drivers Union (AMPTDU) affected normal life in Imphal today.

Amidst reports of the Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution Minister M Okendro declaring before media persons yesterday that there is enough stock of petrol in the state, and that there is no need for the pumps to close shop, most oil pumps in Imphal remained closed for the second day today.

Most petrol outlets remained closed displaying boards with "No stock" written on them.

Petrol rates on the black market reportedly hovered around the range of Rs 120 to 150 per litre while diesel was sold for Rs 80 and above per litre.

It may be mentioned that  ZYF and ZSUM had called the indefinite bandh over the detention of Alice Kamei by RPF/PLA, while the All Manipur Petrolium Tankers Drivers Union launched their own indefinite steering down strike demanding the release of driver Sougrakpam Surjit, 40, son of Phajaton of Sangakpham who was abducted by unknown suspected millitants  along the Imphal Dimapur highway while he was returning to Imphal.

It may be mentioned that oil pumps in Imphal had remained closed since yesterday, with black marketeers opening shops in front of the oil pumps.