New Delhi, February 15, 2010: Suspected economic blockade supporters have set ablaze a truck carrying fish, at Karong area in Senapati district this evening.

Senapati police have reportedly detained two persons in connection with the incident from near the spot.

They have been identified as A Pukani (34) s/o Adani of Taphou and Yarmi Ringri (35) s/o Sopio of Ngari, both in Senapati district.

A police source said the truck (MN05/3935) was set on fire at about 4.30 pm by some unidentified persons who seemed to have taken advantage of shortage of security personnel.

It is informed that the ill-fated truck was among nearly 300 trucks that were being brought back to Imphal under security cover of 2nd Battalion Manipur Rifles.

Contrary to the large number of vehicles, security personnel despatched as escort party was reportedly minimal and observing such paucity the suspected blockade supporters managed to carry out the attack, the source opined pointing out that being a hilly terrain and difficult for security forces to ensure full coverage similar incidents in the future cannot be ruled out in case escort strength is not increased and ROP intensified.

The goods-laden vehicles were stranded at Mao Gate and Khuzama in Nagaland after the Senapati district Students' Association (SDSA) re-enforced its economic blockade agitation in protest against deplorable condition of highway's Senapati district section.

Meanwhile, the burnt truck along with three other vehicles that developed technical breakdown along the way have been towed to Senapati district police station.

Soon after getting information about the act of arson, a combined team of Senapati district police, IRB personnel and Assam Rifles rushed to the site and assisted Fire Service personnel in putting off the fire.

Apart from the wind-screen smashed by the attackers, driver's cabin and tarpaulin of the truck have been substantially damaged.

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