SoO signatory USRA attack auto drivers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 27 2011:
Cadres of USRA which is under the SoO pact with the Government reportedly assaulted two auto-rickshaw drivers and vandalised their vehicles at Torbung, Bishnupur district in connection with a monetary demand.
Speaking to media persons today, Torbung Area Development Committee Joint Secretary Haobijam Kumar said that the USRA cadres attacked the auto-rickshaw drivers demanding that the daily subscription paid to the committee by auto-rickshaw drivers plying on Moirang-Torbung should be paid to
them instead.
Minutes later, they assaulted two auto-rickshaw drivers and vandalised their vehicles, Kumar said.
Auto-rickshaw service was extended till Torbung since June, 2009 at the request of Torbung Meira Paibis and the local youth club.
On June 24, one self styled Captain Johny of USRA came to the village and asked to convene a meeting of the village in order to hand over charge of auto-rickshaws to them.
The Torbung Area Development Committee has been taking Rs 5 from each auto-rickshaw every day to pay to a physically challenged person who has been appointed as time-keeper.
The outfit warned yesterday that no auto-rickshaw should come beyond Kangvai failing which Torbung villagers should bear responsibility for any untoward incident.
Today's attack was follow-up action of yesterday's warning.
Meanwhile, the UCM has asked whether the State Govt permitted the USRA to indulge in such violent activities of targeting innocent civilians for the petty parking fee The UCM urged the Govt to rein all armed groups under SoO pact so that no unwanted incident breaks out between different communities.