Rebels threat force drug companies stop supplies to Manipur

pur), Aug 17 (ANIDrug companies have stopped supplies to Manipur following extortion demands by a rebel group.

Imphal (Manipur), Aug 17 : Drug companies have stopped supplies to Manipur following extortion demands by a rebel group.

One of the rebel groups operating in the State, which has not been identified yet, has asked drug companies to pay up at least 30 per cent of their profits. As a result, drug companies have stopped replenishing their stocks.

Pharmacies in Imphal are fast running out life-saving medicines and several other drugs.

"The problem we are facing now is in stocks. Medicine is very less now-a-days. Even though we have money we can't get the medicines, especially life-saving drugs," said N. Brojendro Singh, a pharmacist.

Singh said if the problem persists they would be forced to shut shop.

Patients are badly hit, as several essential drugs are not available in pharmacies in the state.

"Drips, and medicines for treating blood pressure and other medicines are not available. When asked the reason for the shortage we were told that it was due to recent huge ransom demands received by drug companies," said Budha Singh, relative of a patient.

The All Manipur Pharmaceutical Association has announced that there would be a shutdown of shops on August 20, to protest against the ransom demands by rebels groups.

There are around 15 rebel groups operating in the State.

ANI