The 52 agents of FPS started protesting on September 11 at the FCI godown at Meizailung, Ukhrul district for non-payment of NFSA transportation charges since October 2017 and margin money since September 2018.

Convenor of Fair Price Shop Agent’s Association under National Food Security Act (NFSA) of Phungyar assembly constituency, Ngamreiso Jajo stated that the allotment for transportation cost for 52 centres under Kamjong district is Rs 5 lakh approximately per month and margin money is Rs 65 per quintal. He added that the transport contractor of NFSA, Kamjong district has not paid transportation charge since October 2017 and the margin money since September 2018 to the rationing agents of 52 FPS centres under Kamjong district.

Numbers of vehicles loaded with rice could be seen parked on both sides of the road just outside the premises of FCI godown at Meizailung. The FPS agents have vowed not to transport the ration back to their respective centres unless the transport contractor pays the pending transportation charges and margin money.

The association has appealed the authority concerned to immediately intervene into the matter at the interest of the people.

Meanwhile, vice-chairman of Zingsho Longphang (East), Thanthing Makang stated that “there are no pending dues in the valley. This act of discrimination must be stopped. Whereas the ration is meant for the poor people, the concern minister has ignored the plight and suffering of the poor.”