Many condemn attack on truckers
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 17 2024:
Many expressed strong condemnations over the attack on trucks loaded with transport fuel and LPG by suspected Kuki militants near Tollen Kuki village along the NH 37 (Imphal-Jiribam road) that left two drivers injured and five trucks damaged.
In separate releases, Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), Communist Party of India Manipur State Council and All India Trade Union Congress Manipur State Committee denounced the attack on the truckers despite presence central forces.
The state and central governments should be held responsible as it is because of their lapses that the attack was carried out by suspected Kuki militants, they continued, while pointing out that Imphal-Jiribam National Highway has been a graveyard for the drivers.
The bodies further asserted that the attack on the truckers carrying essential items for all the communities along National Highway signified the true character of Chin-Kuki narco-terrorists while alleging that silence of the central government is a testimony about people of Manipur not considered as citizens of the country.
They further questioned purpose of providing security escorts if the truckers could not be ensured protection from such attacks and wondered whether the central forces are brought to the state to remain as spectators when the truckers face adverse situation, specially taking into account of the fact that not a single shot was fired in retaliation when the militants launched the attack.
While maintaining that the state has failed to protect life and property of the people, the organisations called upon the government not to downplay the attacks which occurred with election round the corner.
They further demanded that the central government grant approval for establishment of 'Highway Protection Force' and effectively tackle anti-people activities of Chin Kuki narco-terrorists.