Imphal, May 10 2010: The director General of Police, Manipur, Y Joykumar has rebutted a report published in an Imphal-based newspaper today which said that "Nagaland Minister says Manipur DGP asked for withdrawal of security to six burnt trucks" .

In a clarification to the said newspaper, DGP Joykumar said that Nagaland Police provides security escorts only for oil tankers and gas bullet vehicles, and not for trucks carrying any other kind of goods.

The DGP further stated that the trucks, which were burnt down, were neither oil tankers nor gas bullets but ones carrying other kinds of goods.

Normally, oil tankers and gas bullets are escorted from Khatkati to Mao by Nagaland Police and from Mao to Imphal by Manipur Police thrice a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

The State Police Chief stated that 3rd May was a Monday and one of the oil tankers' convoy day.

However, due to commitment for deployment to deny entry of Th Muivah, General secretaryof NSCN (I-M), Manipur Police was not in a position to run the oil tankers' convoy on that day.

For that reason, Nagaland Police was informed on May 1 that Manipur Police would not be able to provide escort for the oil tankers and gas bullets on May 3 and as such, Nagaland Police need not bring the oil tankers and gas bullet vehicles from Khatkhati on that day.

Manipur Police at no time ever sent any message to Nagaland Police not to provide security to Manipur bound vehicles on the eve of 3rd May destruction of six goods laden trucks, DGP Joykumar clarified.

He also stated that the statement given by Nagalnd Home Minister, if any, as quoted is incorrect and misleading.

Protection of lives and properties in Nagaland state is the responsibility of Nagaland Government and Nagaland Police.

They cannot pass the responsibility to others, the DGP pointed out.