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Fuel crisis force closure of Imphal Bench

By Sobhapati Samom

IMPHAL, Aug 20 � The functioning of the Imphal Bench of the Gauhati High Court has been severely affected for the last four days following the decision of the High Court Bar Association, to suspend Court works due to the acute shortage of fuel.

The shortage of petrol and diesel has been sparked by the Sadar Hills District Demand Commitee sponsored economic blockade on the two National Highways demanding upgradation of Sadar Hills into a full-fledged revenue district.

Though some oil outlets in Imphal began selling fuel to the public on rationing system, the rush is so heavy that people have to stand in a long queue and spend nearly four to five hours to get a limited quantity of fuel.

Black marketeers have already started selling petrol at Rs 100 per litre. The Bar Association decided to suspend Court works from August 18, said a leader of the Association and added that they would convene a meeting to discuss the matter on August 25.

Besides fuel, prices of essential commodities including vegetables have also skyrocketed giving a big blow to the commoners.

Meanwhile, with the State facing yet another spell of fuel shortage following the economic blockade, All Manipur School Students� Transporters Association has warned that if the situation remains the same they may not be able to continue the service of ferrying students. �The Government should take up necessary measures and ensure fuel supply as in the past in the interest of the students�, said the Association General Secretary Y Sunder.

PTI adds:The economic blockade has led to steep increase in prices of essential commodities in Manipur, official reports said.

The blockade by the Sadar Hills District Demand Committee since August 1 has led petrol to be sold at Rs 120 per litre in the black market instead of Rs 62, while the prices of vegetables have also gone up, the reports said.

Trucks loaded with essential commodities were stranded at the Mao Gate border between Nagaland and Manipur and at Khatkhati in Assam.

The State Cabinet met twice last week to discuss the issue, which has been opposed by several Naga bodies since Sadar Hills, a Kuki-dominated area in Senapati district, also included some Naga-settled areas. � PTI

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