Suspected Kuki UGs loot passenger buses
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, September 30 2011: In amidst of the ongoing economic blockades on the national highways by the SHDDC and UNC, suspected Kuki militants today at around 4.30 am looted drivers of five buses at a place between Gopibung and North Keithelmanbi and even beat some of them up.

According to the drivers, some armed persons suspected to be Kuki militants in civil dress stopped the buses in the area and asked the drivers Rs 5000 each as taxes for a term of one year.

When the drivers enquired the organization to which they belonged and told them that they did not have that much money with them since they were not aware of such demand, the armed persons beat up some drivers but did not reveal the name of their organization.

They also asked the drivers to collect the amount from the passengers if they do not have that much amount with them.

The armed militants then took Rs 17500 from the five drivers and told them to go.

When the drivers asked them to give a receipt for the amount they have taken, they refused telling that they will give the receipt only after they give the full amount.

On further questioning the name of the party to which they belong, the armed militants asked them if they do not know the Mao and Senapati area is the stronghold of which Kuki UG group.

It is assumed that the armed militants might be cadres of KNF since the party has a strong foothold in the area.

They also told them to give them the remaining amount in their next trip and gave the drivers mobile number 9862832881 for communications if needed.

The drivers told reporters that a white Santro Car was also seen parked near the buses with three persons standing near the car.

The armed militants detained the five passenger buses for about 50 minutes during which a column of Assam Rifles passed by the road ignoring them completely and leaving the buses in their own condition.

President, All Manipur Inter State Bus Association A Angou told Hueiyen Lanpao that some armed persons have also looted five passenger buses at the same area in the early morning of Thursday.

While mentioning that only about 10 buses are serving on the highway due to the ongoing economic blockades, he appealed to the state government to provide more security along the highway.

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