Convoy attacked at Kuki village, driver hurt
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 28 2023:
A driver sustained injuries as a convoy of oil tankers escorted by CRPF was attacked at a Kuki village by pelting stones.
The incident happened at around 12.30 pm today at the Kuki village of Seijang near Kotlen.
Speaking to media persons about the incident, the injured driver said that a convoy of oil tankers, LPG bullets and other loaded trucks left Noney for Imphal at around 10 am today with CRPF escorts.
As the convoy reached Seijang, they were attacked with a volley of stones/rocks on the side of the drivers' seats from atop the hills.
One of the rocks hit the driver on his head but he escaped with minor injuries as the rock turned out to be a soft one.
Some other rocks hit a Winger van in which CRPF escorts were travelling.
But the CRPF personnel only asked from where the rocks came and sped away without listening to the drivers' report/complaint that the convoy was being attacked by unidentified miscreants.
Earlier too, there were numerous incidents of attacks including firing and stone pelting at oil tankers, LPG bullets and other trucks on the highway.
There were also incidents of extortion after stopping convoys in the middle of the highway but the CRPF escorts did nothing.
They just watched silently all these unlawful activities.
On being enquired, the CRPF said that they were not given order and could not do anything, said the driver.
He said that they are now confused whether the CRPF personnel are protecting vehicles and drivers or vice versa.
Contrary to the State Government's assurance that adequate ROPs would be deployed at several points on Imphal-Jiribam highway, no ROPs could be seen on most sections of the highway except for a few places, the driver said.
If the attacks on drivers continue unabated, they would be compelled to cease their service.
In such a scenario the whole State would suffer immensely, he said.
He then urged the Government to deploy adequate number of ROPs and detail adequate number of security escorts for convoys of oil tankers, LPG bullets and other trucks.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case after the All Manipur Petroleum Products Transporters Association lodged a complaint regarding the attack at Seijang village today.