Imphal: A total of 644 loaded trucks and fuel tankers reached Manipur’s valley districts under security escort ahead of a 48-hour general strike that began at midnight on August 17.
The vehicles, which had departed from Jiribam near the Assam border, reached their destinations before the shutdown called by the Campaign for Just and Fair Delimitation (JFD). The strike will continue until midnight on August 19, with protesters demanding an update of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) before the census process is undertaken.
Officials said the convoy comprised 469 goods-laden trucks and 175 fuel tankers. Three security convoys escorted the vehicles along the route. The first convoy departed from Jiribam at around 6:25 am on August 17, while the final convoy left at approximately 9 am.
The Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) welcomed the government’s decision to increase the number of security convoys, saying the move would facilitate the movement of stranded vehicles and reduce congestion around Jiribam and the Assam-Manipur border.
TDC president Hijam Ranjit said the additional security cover would provide relief to truck drivers and handymen who have been facing prolonged difficulties while waiting at the border. He said increasing the number of CRPF companies deployed for escort duties from eight to 10 would further improve transport security and help clear the backlog.
The TDC had earlier issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding more security convoys along the highway. It had warned that stranded vehicles would be moved in bulk from Monday, regardless of whether security arrangements were provided.
The decision to expand the convoy operation came days after Nageena Kumar Mahato, a truck driver from Bihar, was found dead inside his vehicle near the Assam-Manipur border on August 12 after remaining stranded on the route.
The successful movement of the 644 vehicles provides temporary relief to supply lines into the valley districts as the two-day shutdown continues across Manipur.