All Manipur Petroleum Products Transportation’s Association claimed that the ambush at oil tanker and LPG gas bullet tank on Tuesday occurred due to lapses in security along the National Highway-37, urging the public to stop panic buying as there is an adequate amount of petroleum products, including LPG gas, for public consumption.
Following the ambush in which suspected Kuki militants sprayed bullets on the oil tanker and LPG gas bullet tank, representatives of the association met Chief Minister N Biren Singh in the evening at his CM secretariat office.
Association president Ahongshangbam Tamphayai said they strongly condemn the attack towards drivers who have been serving the public amid the crisis. To meet the public requirement for petroleum which is one of the essential products, oil tanker drivers and LPG gas bullet drivers have been serving their duties by risking their lives.
As the Lok Sabha election draws near, some of the CRPF personnel were withdrawn from along the national highway, he said. By taking advantage of the change, suspected Kuki militants attacked the drivers who had been serving the people day and night by risking their lives, he added.
As per sources, the incident took place along National Highway-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) road near Tollen village under Tousen police station in Tamenglong district.
Tamphayai said that two drivers sustained bullet injuries at left ankle and eye respectively in the ambush while five vehicles including one LPG gas bullet tanker were damaged. He said the injured has been airlifted with the help of helicopter and has been admitted at Advance Hospital, Palace compound for further treatment.
He appealed to the public to stop panic buying as the transporters will not resort to any strike. If the government provides adequate security along the highway, then the association will also try to encourage the drivers to continue their service, he added.
The association further appealed to the government to retrieve all the damaged vehicles and other stranded vehicles along the highway.
Meanwhile, the state Directorate of Consumer Affairs Food and Public Distribution, Sangaiprou on Tuesday announced that there is sufficient stock of MS-Petrol and HSD-Diesel in the State.
There will be no shortage of stock of POL, and all the Petrol Pumps located are directed to open as usual, stated a release. The general public are requested to purchase only for their daily needs and not to resort to panic buying of POL (Petrol and Diesel), it added.
