One more truck torched, security enhanced
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 29 2010: One more loaded truck was set aflame near Tadubi along Imphal-Dimapur road today.

So far, three trucks have been set ablaze since the 20 days economic blockade was extended by another 25 days.

The act of arson took place at Pfurofe, about one Km away from Tadubi at about 10.15 am.

According to information culled from the spot, four unidentified persons who came in a Tata Sumo drove away the handyman of the truck after thrashing him.

In the next moment, they smashed windshield of the truck with stones and set the truck ablaze after pouring petrol on front portion of the truck.

Of the four unidentified miscreants, three held small arms, said the handyman.

The torched truck and the assistant driver at the incident spot

Earlier in the morning, some suspected blockade supporters came to the spot and enquired as to why they (the transporters) were coming there when the economic blockade was on.

They demanded Rs one lakh for defying the blockade, conveyed the handyman and the driver.

Because of the arson, the front portion of the truck has been irretrievably destroyed.

However, the rear portion and goods loaded in the truck could be saved due to timely intervention by police and personnel of 5 Assam Rifles.

Dousing the fire was a hard struggle as there was no facility for fire service.

The fire was put out by using water obtained from blocking a hill-side drain.

The ill-fated truck set off from Dimapur on August 27 together with a convoy escorted by CRPF.

But the truck had to stay back at a spot about 5 Kms from Mao towards Imphal due to mechanical failure (axle).

The truck was carrying wheat flour and its destination was Churachandpur.

At the time, when the truck was torched the driver was away at Tadubi for repairing the broken down axle.

The driver, Ramnarayan Yadav and handyman, Suresh Kumar Yadav are from Bihar.

The truck bearing registration number NL07A/2205 belongs to one Md Majhar of Burma Camp, Dimapur.

Soon after hearing about the incident, vehicles which have already crossed Mao Gate turned back towards Nagaland and stationed themselves beyond Mao Gate waiting for security escorts.

In connection with today's act of arson, Mao Police have registered a case and initiated due investigation.

Meanwhile, consequent upon the repeated acts of arson and attacks on vehicles, security measures have been enhanced along Imphal-Dimapur highway.

Although it is said that CRPF have been deployed all along the two highways connecting Manipur to other States of India, three vehicles have been torched since the 20 days blockade was extended by another 25 days.

Two other trucks were set ablaze a few days back near Tupul along Imphal-Jiribam highway.

Many vehicles were also torched and vandalised during the preceding blockades.

Incidentally, the current blockade was called by the UNC while the preceding 67 days blockade was called by ANSAM and supported by the UNC.