Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 04 2008:
As part of the investigation into the report that bullet tankers were turned allegedly turned back from a Senapati district area on January 2 by a person who claimed to be a member of the NSCN (IM), two drivers namely Manoj Rai (24) of Charhajare (MN01/7086) and Khadga Prassad (33) also of Charhajare (MN01/6968) have been remanded to police custody till January 6 .
The two, part of the bullet tankers/operators numbering about 17-18 that returned to Imphal after being allegedly stopped at a Senapati district area by an individual identifying himself as activist of the NSCN (IM) on january 2, were taken into custody by Sekmai police station personnel on their way back from the aborted trip.
Moreover, these two are said to be the first who were confronted by the unidentified person and asked to turn back.
Divulging statements given by the arrested duo to the police during the course of the investigation, informed sources conveyed of manoj and Kudga saying that at about 12.15 pm of january 2, an unidentified person of about 30-35 years halted their vehicles (bullet tankers) at Maram.
The unidentified person reportedly cautioned them against plying their vehicles as no agreement had been reached with the manager of the Sekmai Bottling Plant.
As they were returning towards Imphal they met a convoy of about 16-17 bullet tankers along with security escorts and conveyed the information about the Maram incident consequently leading to the entire vehicles making a u-turn from near Old Maram village, as per contents of the duo's statement.
Manoj and Kudga reportedly stated that they moved along the highway under the presumption that six bullet tankers they observed along the same direction were escorted by security personnel only to realise it was not so.
meanwhile, with enhanced security cover another convoy of LPG carriers is likely to head for Assam tomorrow.