Imphal, Aug 06: Even as the farce over the way in which four NSCN (IM) cadres made good their escape right under the nose of Ukhrul police from the complex of the CJM is still fresh in the minds of the people, matter has come to light that Ukhrul police refused to register an FIR in connection with a complaint over the seizure of a truck by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres.

Rather the police asked the owner to settle the matter by paying the monetary demands of the UG group.

Disclosing this to the media at Manipur Press Club today, the owner of the truck (MN-01/5775 ) RK Gautam of Uripok disclosed that even after written complaints were submitted to the OC of Sangshak police station Arunkumar through SP Ukhrul, IG (LO II) A Romenkumar, Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of Home Department and Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the police is yet to register an FIR.

Recounting the incidents leading to the seizure of the truck, Gautam said that the truck was hired by one Tina of Jessami for timber transportation from Ganum since June 30 this year.

When the truck reached Sangshak, a group of well armed men seized the vehicle while the driver and the helper were set free.

The seizure of the truck was known only when the driver conveyed the incident on July 4, said Gautam.

On the next day an individual who identified himself as a cadre of NSCN (IM) asked Gautam to pay Rs 6 lakhs failing which the vehicle would be set on fire.

However Gautam requested to wait for two/three days.

Following that, a complaint was lodged with the Sangshak PS .

Later on July 11, Gautam along with the OC of Shangshak PS, SDPO Ukhrul and one of his relative identified as Ronald set out to search for the vehicle.

On July 14, the truck was found parked near the AR post of Ganung.

Gautam said that Rs 2100 was also taken by the police team to fill petrol for the two police Gypsys.

On the way back with the seized vehicle, four cadres of NSCN(IM) followed the search team, he said.

A police officer also had a talk with the armed men, said the vehicle owner.

When the search team reached Sangshak police station, the SDPO headed for Ukhrul while the OC failed to come out again after he went inside the police station.

After some time, the armed who stalked them all along drove away the vehicle.

On August 2, OC Arunkumar intimated the owner that the central committee of NSCN (IM) could get him convicted while suggesting Gautam to settle the matter by paying the demand of the UG outfit on instalment basis.

On the same day, the OC asked him if he would agree to negotiate with Rs 10,000 to which he asked the police officer to nab them instead as the reduction of the demand from Rs 6 lakhs to just Rs 10,000 raised serious doubt over the credentials of the alleged NSCN (IM) cadres, Gautam retold.

On the other hand, IG (LO-II) also asked the owner to go to High Court.

Peeved with such response from the State police, Gautam asked if all those police personnel honoured with gallantry awards have turned into little mice in hill districts though lions in the valley.

Maintaining that he may give up his transport business, Gautam declared that he would continue to fight for justice with the help of Court.

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