Truck torched, TMNL activist held in Ukhrul
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, September 03 2011: Miscreants set on fire a goods laden truck near Kaziphung village on the outskirts of Ukhrul town, while three persons were detained in connection with the incident by Assam Rifles at Ramva on Friday night.

Police said three goods laden trucks on their way to Imphal were accosted by unidentified miscreants on National Highway 150 near Kaziphung vilage, about 3 kms from Ukhrul town and set one of them on fire around 9 pm last night.

In connection with the incident, the AR posted at Ramva detained a Maruti Van along with three occupants including the Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long (Tangkhul Youth Council) finance secretary, Wungshungmi Kasar.

The other two were yet to be identified till the filing of this report.

They were supposedly escorting the three trucks.

On Saturday afternoon, the Assam Rifles said it had handed over the TMNL activist to Ukhrul Police Station.

The three trucks, according to a reliable source, were reportedly being escorted from Ukhrul by the three persons before it was attacked by miscreants.

However, police has alleged that Wungshungmi Kasar was also involved in the arson last night.

The Imphal-bound trucks, which were stranded at Ukhrul town for several days due to the United Naga Council (UNC) blockade, were transporting essential items.

The ill-fated truck (FO 3-AC-2425) that was gutted beyond repair was carrying rice, peas and tobacco items.

An official estimate stated the value of the commodities that perished along with the truck was reported to be worth 45 lakhs.

The other two trucks (AS01-DC5476 & NL07A-4013) have been retrieved from the site and are being kept in police custody in Ukhrul.

Police suspect the hand of UNC blockade volunteers and has registered an FIR against last night's arson.

The Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong (TKS), which is currently enforcing the blockade in Ukhrul distict, has denied any involvement in the incident. Kaziphung village authorities have strongly condemned the incident stating it has disturbed the peaceful existence of the village.

Meanwhile, public has strongly come down on the TMNL for their alleged involvement in the incident.

"How could the TMNL be involved in escorting the trucks during the blockade? Are they making business out of this ongoing bandh?" asked Avao, a school teacher.

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