Guwahati, July 7: The movement of goods-laden trucks along the Assam–Manipur border resumed on Tuesday under police escort after hundreds of vehicles remained stranded for several days due to security concerns, bringing relief to transporters and helping restore the supply of essential commodities to Manipur.
According to reports, trucks carrying food grains, fuel, medicines and other essential goods from different parts of the country had been halted at various points along the Assam–Manipur border, leading to long queues of vehicles and disrupting the supply chain into the neighbouring state.
Truck drivers and helpers alleged that they were forced to remain stranded for days with limited access to food, clean drinking water and medical assistance. Some reportedly relied on water from nearby hill streams for survival, raising concerns over their health and living conditions during the prolonged wait.
The disruption also affected transporters and traders, with several consignments of perishable goods deteriorating because of the delay. Industry stakeholders said the suspension of movement resulted in financial losses and increased uncertainty for those involved in transporting essential supplies.
The stranded drivers had appealed to the authorities to restore normal traffic movement and arrange immediate relief measures, including food, drinking water, medical care and other basic amenities until the route was reopened.
Officials on Tuesday morning began allowing goods-carrying trucks to move towards Manipur under police protection. The escorted movement was aimed at ensuring the safe passage of vehicles and preventing any untoward incidents along the route.
The resumption of convoy movement is expected to ease the supply of essential commodities to Manipur, although transporters are hopeful that normal traffic will soon be fully restored to prevent further disruptions to trade and logistics.
