Five auto-rickshaws burned
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 17 2009: At least five auto-rickshaws were set on fire by bandh supporters at different places on the second day of the 120-hour general strike called by the Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) which has been shortened to 72 hours.

The first incident of burning of auto-rickshaw occurred at Pourabi under Lamlai police station in Imphal east district today at around 8.30 am.

The auto belongs to one Moirangthem Bishma (38) son of late Achou of Tiger Camp.

The auto-rickshaw was coming back from Imphal after dropping vegetable at Nagamapal.

It came back with two women and two men who returned home after buying daily home requirement.

According to the owner, he has come out on seeing some vehicles moving on the road yesterday, on the first day of the strike.

Burned auto-rickshaw and injured owner

Six youths who stopped the auto-rickshaw on the way burnt down it alleging of violating the general strike by pouring petrol.

The six youths came on three scooters, the driver said.

Another auto-rickshaw was also set ablaze by the strike supporters at around 4 pm at Yairipok Khoirom Leikai under Yairipok police station of Thoubal district.

The torch auto (MN06-S-0434) belongs to one Md Ahmed of Yairipok Chagamtabi.

At Moirangkhom Bazar, an auto-rickshaw was also torched by miscreants at about 3.15 pm.

The auto bearing registration no.MN-01R-4412 was plying Imphal to Kongba Bazar route.

Around 1.45 pm, an auto-rickshaw was also burnt down by strike supporters at Nambol Sabal Leikai near the by-lane to Kabo-Wakching under Nambol police station.

The auto (MN-06S-9532 belongs to one Khundongbam Naobi of Malom Awang Leikai.

Another auto-rickshaw was also set ablaze by strike supporters at Patsoi Lamkhai under Patsoi police station this evening at around 5.10 pm.

The auto bearing registration no.MN-06S-0094 belongs to Khundongbam Ibomvha of Luker Awang Leikai.

According to the driver of the auto a youth wearing half pant step in to the auto when he on his way.

The youth took away the key of the auto forcibly when reached Patsoi Lamkhai.

Four youths coming with a pulser motor cycle and a NV schooter who were there caught fire the vehicle and proceeded toward Imphal side.

On the other hand, secretary of the All Moirang rickshaw Driver Association, Hemam Tomba today stating that the strike has directly made suffered to the daily wage earners appealed to bring an amicable solution by the government and end it immediately.

The 120 hour state-wide general strike which would continue till July 20 was imposed by the Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) demanding unconditional release of the five students leaders including education secretary Thoithoi of the body and decrying the detention of them under NSA.

Police said they were arrested in connection with criminal act of killing professor Md Islamuddin of MU on May, not as students leader.

Not like before, blocking of roads by burning down of debris and piling of logs and woods to disturb the traffic were not seen on the first day of the general strike in Imphal areas apparently following warning from the Imphal west district police to deal severely to those who support the bandh.