Three jeeps burnt, one hijacked in Tamenglong district
Poll campaign ends in arson
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 21 2011: Unidentified persons burnt to cinders three vehicles and pushed another down a deep gorge in separate acts of arson that occurred at Tamenglong district in the intervening night of September 20-21 .

In connection with the incidents, Zeliangrong Women Union Manipur, Zeliangrong Youth Front, Zeliangrong Students' union, Zeliangrong Elders' Forum of Peace-broker at a joint media briefing held today at the district headquarters strongly condemned the acts of arson.

They demanded that those involved in the incidents clarify for what reason and purpose such despicable acts were carried out.

Representatives of the said organisations also urged cooperation of the general public in foiling such attacks in the future.

Meanwhile, Zeliangrong Union (Tamenglong Zone) describing the incidents as unfortunate also condemned the same and urged all concerned to refrain from such act of insanity.

As per police report, the first incident took place at around midnight yesterday when unidentified persons set on fire the vehicles which were parked in front of SUI Hotel in Tamenglong town.

The torched remains of the vehicles at Tamenglong bazar

The damaged vehicles included a Tata safari (MN01K/6893) and two Mahindra Boleros (MN04A/5795, MN03B/2323) .

The Tata Safari is registered in the name of Z Kikhonbou, who is a Congress party aspirant for the forthcoming Assembly election from Tamei constituency.

Kikhonbou is said to be the younger brother of late Z Mangaibou, a former Minister.

It is informed that Kikhonbou, and some artistes from Imphal were staying at the same hotel when the act of arson took place.

Another source said the three vehicles carrying some popular Manipuri film actors and actresses as well as musicians from here reached Tamenglong district headquarters last evening.

Some musical instruments belonging to SARGAM musical group, including a keyboard, an electronic pad-drum, lead guitar, base guitar and various accessories were kept inside the Tata Safari.

The source said the film personalities, singers and musicians were in the Tamenglong hotel after performing at an event, organised to kick-start election campaign for one Janghemlung, who is preparing to contest the assembly election from Tamenglong AC.

The two Boleros as well as the artistes were reportedly hired by Janghemlung.

Sources said the attackers first smashed the park vehicles before setting them on fire.

Even though some hotel staff members and local residents ran out upon hearing shattering of window shields the unidentified persons managed to torch the vehicles and fled away from the scene.

In the other incident, a Bolero (MNOIX/0206) belonging to Tamenglong ADC Vice Chairman Humaliangbou, was reportedly hijacked from the Tamenglong Ward No.V residence of one Pouhei on September 20 midnight.

The said vehicle was spotted by some locals down a deep gorge, about 2 kilometres from the district headquarters along the Imphal-Tamei Road (IT Road) and has been subsequently retrieved this afternoon.

The remains of the vehicles were picked up by the police after Kikhonbou and the other candidates lodged a complaint with the Zeliangrong Baudi who in return informed the police.

Police were out on the streets on patrol duty late in the evening today.