Suspected Kuki militants extorting truckers at Keiphundai
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 27 2023:
While the state is heavily affected by the prevailing violent situation, suspected armed Kuki militants have been extorting Rs 5,000 each from trucks transporting essential goods into the state.
Meanwhile, All Manipur Road Transport Drivers' and Motor Workers' Union secretary M Anil Meitei have cautioned of launching a 'no-steering' protest if drivers/truckers are not provided adequate ROP and escort along National Highway-37 .
Speaking to newspersons on Thursday, Anil informed that suspected well-armed kuki militants extorted around 50 vehicles, which arrived Ji-ribam from 7.30am till 8am.The militants halted the trucks at New Keiphundai area and forcefully grabbed Rs 5,000 from each truck.
At the time of the incident, there was no ROP or escort, he added.
He continued that there have been countless incidents of trucks or other vehicles extorted or looted along this route.
However, the state's security advisor is yet to take up any effective action to ensure safe movement of vehicles.
Questioning why ROP has not been placed in the vulnerable areas, Anil said that there is a police outpost in New Keiphundai under Tamenglong SP.
However, the absence of an ROP in the jurisdiction of Tamenglong SP has raised suspicions of hidden agenda at play.
He then said that the lives of the drivers are now at risk.
As such, he urged the state security advisor to provide adequate ROP and escort in the vulnerable locations, failing which all truckers/drivers carrying essential items for the state will undergo a 'no steering' protest.