Imphal, February 15, 2010: Blockade supporters torched a loaded truck by hurling petrol bomb today even as many trucks heading for Imphal with security escorts were stoned by them on the way from Mao to Senapati district headquarter area.

Official reports said that one of the trucks among over 210 trucks heading toward Imphal with security escort from Mao gate was burnt down by blockade supporters near Khathewkho village located between Karong and Senapati on the NH-39 around 4.30 pm today.

In the burning incident, the front portion of the truck bearing registration No.MN05/3935 loaded with dry fish (nga thumyakpi) and tarpaulin covering of the truck's body were damaged.

Around five bags of dry fish were also reportedly burnt, a police reports said.

Blockade supporters who came on a Maruti Van threw a petrol bomb to the moving truck to catch fire taking advantage of the absent of security forces escorting the trucks, said a driver of a truck heading together with the ill-fated truck.

Truckers and escort personnel who immediately swung into action to put the fire under control put off the fire before damaging the vehicle totally, he added.

The driver and handymen also escaped unhurt.

Around 210 trucks stranded at Mao gate owing the indefinite blockade imposing by the Senapati District Students Association (SDSA) since February 1 last were escorted by the personnel of the 1st Manipur Rifles under the command of its assistant commandant, Amuba.

They left Mao gate at around 2.30 pm.

The numbers of security personnel escorting the vehicles were less in number compared to the number of trucks escorting.

Only four DI tata and a Gypsy escorted the trucks.

One security vehicle guarded around 30 trucks moving on the way stretch to Imphal.

As disclosed by the drivers, while moving with security escort at some places even gun shots were fired towards the trucks but security personnel who are less in number could do nothing.

They are like "paper tiger", they lamented.

On the stretch from Mao to Senapati, trucks received heavy stoning from the blockade supporters.

Windshields of many trucks have been shattered in the stoning, truckers said.

No casualty to the truckers reported.

The SDSA has been imposing economic blockade along the NH-39 in protest against government failure to take initiative to improve the deteriorated condition of the lifeline of people of the state.

They go on with their stir even though state government had already started improvement like blacktopping announcing that the improvement works to whole stretch will be completed by March next.

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