Imphal, May 18: The Army and Assam Rifles are providing security to Manipur-bound goods trucks in efforts to maintain the continued supply of essentials to the violence-hit state.

According to officials, the movement of vehicles is also being monitored by drones.

The officials said, since May 15, around 130 vehicles carrying essential items, food grains, medicines and other vital things have entered Manipur through various highways.

He said that during the ethnic violence in Manipur, supplies to the Meitei community-dominated Imphal valley were cut off due to a road blockade, as well as fear amongst transporters. As a consequence, the supply of essentials in the state was dwindling and beginning to reach critical levels.

The Defence PRO said the Army and Assam Rifles stepped in to assure protection to vehicles carrying such goods to and from the Imphal valley and other parts of Manipur.

On Monday, a convoy of 28 vehicles, including trucks carrying rice, sugar, pulses and fuel, moved under the escort of CRPF and Manipur Police from Noney district to Imphal.

Another set of 100 vehicles were moved on Tuesday and Wednesday.