Bullet tankers suspend transportation of LPG bulk
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 19, 2011:
Bullet tankers have launched a ceasework strike from today in protest against the abduction of three of their colleagues, two drivers and a handyman over a ransom demand of Rs 50 lakh by the Karbi People's Liberation Tigers (KPLT).
The whereabouts of the three persons abducted on January 16 allegedly on the demand of ` 50 lakh are yet to be traced out by the Karbi Anglong police.
According to the drivers, the outfit is demanding Rs 10 lakh each from every LPG bulk tanker.
A total of 75 bullet tankers are transporting bulk LPG to feed the Sekmai LPG Bottling Plant.
The oil tankers abandoned by the drivers and handymen after the January 16 incident has been taken into custody by the Golaghat Police Station and another four tankers are stranded midway unable to cross the area where the attack took place, drivers have informed.
Following a unanimous decision of the drivers, services of the tankers have been suspended effective from Monday and they will not resume until and unless the three persons are released unharmed.
Security escorts are provided to Bullet LPG tankers like other Manipur bound vehicles plying on NH 39.The escort is provided in the Nagaland and Manipur section of the highway only, but not in the Assam section.
KPLT cadres had taken advantage of the situation and abducted the two drivers and handyman, drivers charged.