Manipur: Fuel Transporters Skip CRPF-Escorted Truck Convoy Departing from Imphal

Despite reaching an agreement with the Manipur government to enhance security for fuel transportation, petroleum product transporters did not participate in the first convoy that departed from Imphal under heavy security escort. Instead, around 150 empty goods trucks, protected by a large contingent of the CRPF, including personnel from the COBRA unit, left for Jiribam without any fuel tankers joining the convoy.

The development comes after the Core Committee of the Consortium of Manipur Petroleum Product Transporters Fraternity, along with retail outlet dealers, LPG distributors, and drivers associations, decided to end their Steering Wheel Down strike that began on July 31. The strike had been launched over allegations of widespread extortion along National Highway-37.

According to the consortium, the protest was withdrawn after the state government assured transporters that security arrangements on NH-37 would be strengthened. Authorities also promised to review and revise the existing Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) governing convoy movements and publish the updated guidelines in the State Gazette as a permanent measure to tackle extortion and improve the safety of transporters. With the strike officially called off, the association said normal loading, unloading, and distribution of petroleum products is expected to resume across the state.

To reinforce security, the office of the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) has issued fresh directives for convoy operations on NH-37. The government has decided to deploy dedicated security teams at two vulnerable stretches of the highway—between Kambiron and Sibilong, and from Makru to Old Kaiphundai in Tamenglong district—where transporters have frequently reported extortion and intimidation.

Inspector General of Police (Zone-III) Kamei Angam Romanus has been appointed as the nodal officer to oversee the security arrangements, supported by district-level police commanders. Superintendents of Police have been instructed to strictly enforce convoy protocols, intensify operations against extortion, and work closely with local communities to curb illegal activities.

The revised security plan also calls for close coordination between the state police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), Assam Rifles, and the Army to ensure the safe movement of convoys along the highway. The transporters association had earlier submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Y. Khemchand Singh on July 15, demanding action against illegal collections on NH-37 before July 30. When their concerns remained unresolved, they launched the strike on July 31, disrupting the movement of essential commodities across the state until the government provided fresh security assurances.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.