Murder of driver sparks protest, NH-37 blocked
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, August 28 2013: After a van driver was found shot dead right inside his vehicle at Narankonjin on August 18, another auto-rickshaw driver was found murdered with his throat slit at Kiyam Tangjeng Hangenkonjin under Thoubal Police Station today.

The deceased has been identified as Ayekpam Nobin (55), s/o (late) Mohon of Tera Lourakpam Leikai.

He left behind his wife, two daughters and two sons.

His throat was found slit for about three inches and there was also a deep cut wound on his chest and belly.

According to family members, Nobin used to operate his auto from RIMS Gate to Khwairamband Bazar.

He bought some vegetables for dinner and left home yesterday.

He was in contact with the family members on his mobile phone till 7.30 pm.

However, he could not be contacted afterwards.

Murder of driver sparks protest

Later, at around 2 am, a person responded from Nobin's mobile phone when the family members made a call.

The person told that Nobin was hired by them, but he got injured on his chest during an altercation and he had fled leaving behind his mobile phone, Rs.600 in cash and his auto.

His family members could collect them tomorrow.

The phone call was disconnected after that.

The family members went to see the dead body when informed about the murder of an auto driver at Tangjeng.

The body has been kept at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) mortuary here for post mortem.

On hearing the news of the murder of Nobin, irate locals of Tera Lourakpam Leirak blocked the National Highway No.37 near Tera Bazar.

They burnt tyres on the middle of the road, chocking traffic along the route.

Hundreds of autorickshaw drivers also joined the protest.

A protest rally was also taken out from Tera bazaar to Waheng Leikai.

The protesters shouted slogans demanding the state Government to bring the culprits to justice.

A public meeting would be held tomorrow to take up further course of action.