Imphal, May 04 2010: Suspected armed cadres of NSCN (IM) set afire seven loaded trucks at Khuzuma in Nagaland last night.

The Manipur bound trucks were stranded at Khuzuma for the last couple of days due to the continuing blockade along National Highways.

Police sources at Imphal said that the trucks were stranded at Khuzuma since last Saturday or earlier.

Police are suspecting that the act of arson might have been committed in reaction to the prohibition of a team of Naga Students' Federation led by its president from entering Manipur at Mao Gate by Manipur Police yesterday.

The trucks stranded between Khuzuma and Soma in Nagaland beyond Mao Gate were torched by the unidentified armed miscreants at about 11.30 pm.

It is reported that the miscreants also opened several rounds of fire.

The seven trucks which were set afire had registration numbers MN-01/6444, MN-01/5615, MN-04/1266, NL-07A/1408, MN-04A/4099, MN-03T/0014 and MN-05/0548 and they were carrying books, cement, cold drinks, iron/steel rods, soaps and eatable items.

Three trucks were burnt beyond redemption.

The State Government, during a meeting of the Cabinet today discussed on the compnensation that may be paid to the trucks as per rules and regulations.

Many trucks including those set afire yesterday were stranded beyond Mao Gate due to the economic blockade being imposed by some hill based organisations against the scheduled Autonomous District Council elections coupled with the stringent security measures taken up by the Government to thwart any attempt by NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah to visit Manipur.

Th Muivah has been planning to visit his native village Somdal in Ukhrul district and Senapati after nearly 40 years.

To thwart the rebel leader's plan, the State Government has imposed restrictions under Section 144 of CrPC in Mao.

The State Police force has also been blocking vehicles coming from Nagaland side at Mao Gate since Sunday.

Earlier, the State force escorted vehicles which were stranded due to the economic blockade till Imphal.

Apart from Mao, State forces have been stationed in Tungjoy, Ukhrul district headquarters and Jessami neighbouring Nagaland.