Imphal: Petroleum, Oil and Lubricants (POL) transporters signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Manipur government at the Chief Minister’s Office on Saturday night following a cease-work strike over security concerns on National Highway 37 (NH-37). The strike, launched on July 31, is expected to be withdrawn soon.
The transporters had demanded improved security arrangements, including adequate security convoys and Road Opening Parties (ROPs), along NH-37, which connects Imphal with Silchar.
The MoU was signed after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, attended by representatives of several transport and drivers’ associations and state government officials to discuss convoy movement along NH-37.
The agreement was signed between the state government and the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters’ Fraternity, Retail Outlet Dealers, LPG Distributors and Drivers’ Associations.
Under the MoU, a Coordination Committee will be constituted with the Commissioner (Home) as its chairman. The committee will include representatives from the Police, CRPF, the Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) Department, and the transporters’ core committee.
The committee will review and revise the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for convoy movement on NH-37 within one month, after which it will be published in the state gazette.
The Home Department and Police Headquarters will appoint a nodal officer for NH-37, who will in turn designate sub-nodal officers in all districts along the highway. The arrangements will be reviewed every month or as required.
The MoU also provides for a crackdown on extortion along NH-37, with district Superintendents of Police (SPs) directed to conduct special drives against those involved in illegally collecting money from vehicles using the highway.
Following the meeting, Special Secretary (Home) A. Subhash Singh instructed the Director General of Police (DGP) to implement the directives, appoint the required nodal officers and launch the anti-extortion drives.
Sharing details of the meeting on social media, Chief Minister Khemchand Singh said public safety and the smooth movement of essential goods remain the government’s top priorities.
“Today, I met with representatives of the Transport Union, in the presence of senior officials of the State Government, to discuss the prevailing conditions on our highways. We deliberated on strengthening highway security and ensuring safe, reliable and uninterrupted transportation,” he posted.
“Our Government remains steadfast in its commitment to keeping our highways secure and protecting the interests and livelihoods of our people.”