gÉÉŌ A.]ÉŌ. xÉÉxÉÉ

03.08.2010
focusing on the common man. However, we do feel that this is recognition of the
Samashya i.e. the problem.
I am from Manipur. My state is at the moment in a peculiar situation. The cost of
living in Manipur has been exceedingly high for the last few months. There is
acute shortage of essential commodities. People of Manipur are suffering hell.
This is due to regular bandhs/blockades on the lifelines of Manipur.
We are buying essential commodities from black market at sky-rocketed price.
For instance, Petrol over Rs.100/litre, Diesel over Rs.80/litre, cooking gas over
Rs.1500/cylinder, rice over Rs.30/kg.
One reason for this scarcity is our transporters’ reluctance to ply on NH 39 even
after lifting of blockade by Naga Students. Because our transporters are fed up o
perennial extortions, loots, arsons and frequent bandhs on this NH 39 by Naga
insurgents/organizations.
Another reason is that the other two NH 53 and NH 150 connecting Manipur with
Assam and Mizoram respectively are in pathetic conditions.
At the moment, Manipur Government is managing with NH 53 which is affected
by regular landslides and bridges on it are dangerously dangled.
Here I urge upon the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and NHAI to take
up the improvement of NH 53 on war footing.
And NH 150 is still at a nascent stage and it is too narrow for any traffic. At this
juncture NH 39 remains the only viable option for transportation of essential
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