Van owner decry torching of Tata Winger Van at Taobungkhok
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 15 2011:
Decrying the hijacking and subsequent torching of a Tata Winger Van at Taobungkhok under Imphal West district on June 13 morning, the owner of the ill-fated Van has demanded to know the identity of the UG group responsible and the reason behind it.
Talking to mediapersons at Manipur Press Club here today afternoon, Khundrakpam Loken (42) of Uyan Makha Leikai, who is the owner of the ill-fated Van, said that the hijacker identified himself as a member of RPF/PLA to the driver before setting the van on fire.
However, he had not received any threat or monetary demand from any UG group nor the people manning the ticket counter have any disagreement with anyone.
Loken said that he bought the Van not because he had enough money but on loan.
So far, he had repaid the loan upto 14 instalments and 21 other instalments are due.
Considering this fact and the situation, all those who are involved in the incident should clarify why the Van has been set on fire.
Sarangthem Thoithoi of Hiyanglam, the driver of the ill-fated Van, recounted that he had gone along with the Van as one Basanta of Nambol had reserved the Van at the counter for transporting around 14 people.
However, at Nambol, only one man boarded the Van and directed him to go to Changangei.
There, his mobile phone was taken and told to go if he does not want to die.
Not long after he got down, the man poured petrol and set aflame the Van, Thoithoi informed.
It may be recalled here that the Tata Winger Van bearing registration no.MN-06L/4551 was set on fire after being hijacked by an unidentified man at around 7.15 am on June 13 .