Drivers of the oil tanker trucks plying from Imphal to Assam on the NHS started stirring off indefinite agitation with the result that Manipur on Wednesday started facing an artificial shortage of ordinary petrol.

The tanker drivers under the aegis of the Petroleum Products Transporters’ Association (AMPPTA) and All Manipur Petroleum Products Drivers’ Association (AMPPDA launched an indefinite strike and restricted on government oil depot at Malom near Imphal airport from Wednesday onwards.

All the fuel outlets in the state remained shut down from Wednesday onwards. They are making a positive response to the appeal made by Associations.

AMPPDA and AMPPTA are demanding adequate security along the National Highways following two tanker trucks being hit by bullets in the attack in the Nungba area along NH 37 on Monday around 8:30 pm. The AMPTA president L Somendro said that the armed men also assaulted several drivers, apart from breaking the windshields. The president also alleged that armed groups along the highway used to extort Rs 4000 to Rs 4500 per truck during the present humanitarian crisis in the state.

AMPPDA secretary Mukta Nongbri also expressed unhappiness over the negligence of the government towards their appeal for providing adequate security on many occasions.

Meanwhile, Daichui Gangmei, president of the Rongmei Naga Students Organisation, Manipur said that they will take action against those who attacked drivers. He stated that some miscreants used to open fire air guns at the Nungba area on NH 37 causing agitation.