Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 23:
Unidentified persons burnt an Imphal bound Tata truck, carrying LPG cylinders at Lipfojee Mate under Tadubi police station on Imphal-Dimapur road where Naga organisations have imposed an indefinite economic blockade.
Police said unidentified persons stopped the truck at truck at Lipfojee Mate, about two and half km south of Tadubi and then burnt it at 11.15am.Extensive damage was caused to the vehicle and the LPG cylinders, police said.
On receiving the information OC Tadubi, SDPO Mao and Addl SP Kangpokpi rushed to the spot.
Fire brigade from Kangpokpi rushed to the spot.
Fire brigade from Kangpokpi was also pressed into service, police said.
The truck (MN01-4945) belongs to M/S Leibaklei Gas Agency, Kakching and was loaded with some 300 filled LPG cylinders when the incident took place.
71 cylinders were not destroyed by the fire.
The truck was coming without any security escort.
According to reports from Mao, four trucks carrying LPG cylinders left Bokazan this morning.
One of the trucks was to unload the cylinders at Tadubi and another two at Mao.
The truck driver identified as Dhaja (28) of Wabagai Tera Pishak sustained injuries on the right hand in stone pelting.
He now reportedly at Tadubi police station.
The owner of the truck is identified as Huidrom Bikram of Wangkhem Thangjam Leikai.
The fire destroyed major portions of the truck.
Till late into the evening police were on guard at the spot.
DGP AA Siddique expressed surprise that the truck made its way towards Imphal without any security and added that the matter would be probed.
Imphal Bazar Communities (IBC) expressed shock at the burning of the truck carrying LPG cylinders meant for distribution to the public.
In a statement the IBC said the Government should take the matter very seriously and appealed to the people of Manipur not indulge in such activities in future.
Naga bodies called the indefinite blockade protesting against Centre�s decision to limit the ceasefire to Nagaland only.
Meanwhile the United Committee, Manipur (UCM) has accused the governor of remaining a silent spectator while the people in both hill and valley have been facing difficulties due to the blockade.
It also demanded immediate resignation of the Governor for his alleged failure.
The UCM appealed to Naga Hoho, the apex body to initiate steps for lifting the blockade.