Moidangpok outrage decried
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 12 2011: The All Zeliangrong Students' Union (Assam, Manipur & Nagaland) and Zeliangrong Youth Front (Assam, Manipur, Nagaland) have condemned the attack on private vehicles coming from Tamenglong and manhandling of occupants on September 10 at Moidangpok.

In statement issued today, AZSU (AMN) said, acting on a wild rumour of killing truck drivers by suspected blockade supporters, some groups of people blocked passenger buses coming from Tamenglong and Jiribam at Keithelmanbi whereas an Alto car (MN01-W-4837) and a Maruti van (MN-01W 5596) were escorted by the local people of Moidangpok by giving fabricated assurance to allow free passage.

But on reaching Moidangpok, the occupants of the vehicles were asked to alight from their seats and threatened with dire consequences amid the rant of communal slogans, it charged.

The occupants of the vehicles fled for their lives, it said and added that fortunately, Assam Rifles who were on patrol duty saved them.

However, a woman occupant of the Alto car was dragged to a secluded place and physically assaulted by some local women of the area, AZSU (AMN) alleged.

The Union also condemned the State Government for being silent and reluctant to take up any punitive action against the culprits.

The students' body further said that it was not the first incident and there had been so many instances in the past especially during the economic blockade last year.

The union also questioned whether the State Government really wants to welcome a communal flare-up between the tribal and non-tribal communities.

Otherwise, there should be timely intervention from the Government to prevent such sort of incident in the future, it added.

The union also urged the Drivers and Motor Workers' Union not to spread fabricated news and level unnecessary allegation.

According to their statement, the union said, they accused UNC blockade supporters of having a hand in the burning of loaded trucks in between Keimai and Sembilon and Barak on NH-37 recently by heavily armed unidentified persons.

With regard to the rumour, the union clarified that the statement was fabricated and baseless.

As the Nagas love peace and sincerely dedicate to peaceful co-existence, they would never resort to do anything to aggravate communal flare-up.

Meanwhile, as per resolution No1 (b) of the intellectual consultative meeting adopted on September 10, AZSU (AMN) questioned all the Zeliangrong MLAs, ADC Members to clarify their stand on the present issue.

"We wonder as to why they intentionally try to evade and remain aloof from taking part in the present issue.

Instead of being silent as a concerned person they should have a defined role.

The union would like to call upon them to furnish their opinion through print and electronic media at the earliest", the AZSU (AMN) press release said.

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