MR vehicle pushed into gorge
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, October 23 2011: A Manipur Rifles vehicle was pushed down into a gorge by bandh supporters of All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) in the NH-53 today, allegedly after the vehicle collided with another civilian vehicle.

According to sources, the incident happened at Noney on the Imphal-Jiribam section of the NH-53 around 11.40 am.

The vehicle (407 mini truck) which has been pushed down into a deep gorge belongs to the 7th Manipur Rifles who were on ROP duty on the highway.

Meanwhile, ANSAM said despite full awareness of this fact, the government of Manipur and its agencies are hell-bent on provoking the Nagas.

"This is borne out by events today at Noney where personnel of the Manipur Indian Reserved Battalion tried to forcefully disrupt the bandh.

The action of the Noney public is a fitting response to the disrespect and contempt shown by the GOM and its agencies, ANSAM alleged.

It said ANSAM does not condone violent action but it will also not shy away from shouldering the responsibilities of ensuring that the rights of the Nagas are respected.

Should the government of Manipur continues to provoke, ANSAM will use all means to thwart the divisive and communal design of the government of Manipur, the Naga students' body said.

ANSAM has also directed all its federating units to be fully prepared for any eventuality.

"We regret that inconvenience is caused to the public, however this action was foisted upon us by the government of India and the government of Manipur through their denial of the rights of the Nagas.

We thank the public for their understanding and cooperation," it added.

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