Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 03:
One oil tanker was substantially damaged and its driver injured when unidentified miscreants stoned oil tankers near Senapati on NH-39 yesterday at about 7 pm.
The oil tankers were heading towards Imphal from Khatkhatti.
The driver is identified as Thingbaijam Tomba (55) of Irom Meijrao.
He sustained injuries on the upper portion of the left arm.
The front glass of the tanker (MN05-2353) was shattered in the attack.
Tomba said the MR/IRB personnel escorting the tankers were far from the spot when they came under attack.
Tomba said some State police personnel who rushed to the spot 'advised the drivers to run for their life.' The security escort also did not take any action against the miscreants but instead asked the drivers to move ahead.
Meanwhile the All Manipur Petroleum Tanker Drivers Union has come out very strongly against the incident.
Condemning the incident the drivers' body in a statement said that the incident smacks of a larger plot to whip up passion and violence.
Such instances are not healthy for the people, especially when the State is in deep financial trouble, it said.
The statement further said the attack on the oil tanker was totally unwarranted as there was no blockade call given by any organizations.
The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union has also strongly condemned the attack on the tanker.
In addition to the frequent harassment of drivers, NH-39 is in a pathetic condition and the drivers have to face a lot of inconveniences, said the drivers' body in a statement.