Trucks waylaid, fired at on Imphal-Jiribam road
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Jiribam, April 16 2021: Four cement-laden trucks which were heading towards Imphal from Jiribam suffered damages when they were fired upon by a group of miscreants armed with sophisticated weapons.

The trucks were halted by the armed miscreants about two kms away from Kaiphundai police station at around 8 am today.

After forcing the drivers and their assistants to run away from the spot, the armed persons fired at the fuel tanks and tyres and thus damaged the trucks, sources informed.

It is suspected that the attack was carried out by cadres of the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF), Jechui Group in connection with monetary demand.

Trucks waylaid, fired at on Imphal-Jiribam road

The incident severely hindered movement of vehicles along Imphal-Jiribam highway.

While one of the trucks bore five bullet marks, the second bore three bullet marks while the third and fourth trucks were hit by two bullets each.

On learning about the incident, police personnel posted at Kaiphundai, Jiribam and Assam Rifles troops came and inspected the spot.

The security forces also carried out a search operation around the area but there was no report of arrest.

Members/volunteers of All Jiribam Transport Drivers Association, Rongmei Naga Council Manipur, Kaiphundai Village Authority and Kaiphundai Youth too came to the spot and made an assessment.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union have condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

A press release issued by the union appealed to all concerned not to harass drivers and transporters in any manner considering their selfless service to all the people.

The union also urged the State Government to deploy adequate strength of highway protection forces along all the National Highways and ensure security of drivers/transporters.

It further warned that they may be compelled to launch cease work strike if drivers and transporters are further subjected to any form of harassment or intimidation.

The All Manipur Drivers' Welfare (AMDWA) Association has also strongly condemned the attack.

Speaking to media persons at Kwakeithel this evening, AMDWA general secretary Sanjay Kshetrimayum urged all concerned not to repeat the act of firing at fuel tanks and tyres of trucks.

He pointed out that drivers have been bringing in all essential commodities, construction materials and medicines for all the people of the State.

Even at the height of the COVID-19 induced lockdown last year, drivers were continuously serving the people of the State, Sanjay said.

He then urged the State Government to take up all necessary measures to avoid such unwanted incidents in future.

He appealed to the Government to either provide security escorts or deploy adequate number of ROPs so that drivers/transporters can move freely along the highway.

Otherwise, drivers would not be left with any option but launch cease work strike, he said and added that all concerned should come out with a convincing clarification regarding the attack.