KSO warns of blockade from midnight of Nov 9
Source: The Sangai Express
Kangpokpi, November 08 2022:
Vehemently condemning the torching of an excavator belonging to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) on Monday afternoon along the National Highway 37 (Imphal-Jiribam) road, the Kuki Students' Organization Moltam Block has warned of an indefinite blockade along the highway if the perpetrators are not booked within 24 hours from midnight of November 9 .
The student body stated that some unidentified armed group suspected to be cadres of the NSCN (IM) set ablaze an excavator belonging to the NHIDCL between Bijang village and Thanglongbung village along National Highway-37 under New Keithelmanbi Police Station in Kangpokpi district on Monday at around 6.30 pm.
A team of KSO Moltam Block on learning about the incident immediately rushed to the site and learned that some armed persons with sophisticated weapons threatened the drivers and labourers and set the excavator on fire at gunpoint, it added.
It also asserted that the armed miscreants also left two bullet shells along with a note detailing a mobile phone number 9362591819 .
The student body vehemently condemned the 'repeated threats' meted towards the NHIDCL which has created a fear psychosis amongst the public.
While strongly condemning the incident, the KSO Moltam Block also questioned how these armed groups are 'let loose and free to commit such an uncivilized and barbaric act'.
It appealed to the authorities concerned to book the culprits within 24 hours.
If the perpetrators are not booked within the stipulated time, the student body will be compelled to impose an indefinite blockade along the National Highway No-37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) from midnight of November 9 till the culprits are booked, it said.
The student body also appealed to the public to maintain peace and harmony in the area.