Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 19:
Passenger buses on the Imphal-Yaingangpokpi route cancelled service today after unidentified gunmen opened fire at an Imphal bound passenger bus from Yaingangpokpi in between Nongada and Leimakhong under Lamlai police station today at about 5.30 am.
Sources said armed men stopped the bus and asked all passengers of a particular community to come down.
When none came out the gunmen opened fire at the rear wheel puncturing the right side wheel.
The gunmen later warned the driver and the passengers that they would be burned down with the bus if they carry any passenger of the particular community.
Following the incident the Gwaltabi � Yaingangpokpi Transport Association decided to cancel service indefinitely until a solution is worked out.
The Kuki Students� Organization, Ukhrul district has appealed to the group concerned not to target innocent civilians because of differences between two armed groups.
According to reports, some individuals who identified themselves as members of a particular group came to the Yaingangpokpi bus parking about two/three days back and told the Timekeepers that no member of the particular community should be allowed to board the buses.
Reacting against the incident the Gwaltabi- Yaingangpokpi Road Transport Association said some gunmen who identified themselves as KCP cadres opened fire at the bus.
Meanwhile the publicity, information and broadcasting secretary of KRA K Gangte said today�s incident could give rise to communal distrust.