Trucks carrying goods to Imphal attacked, 2 drivers injured

Imphal Dec 13 (IANS) Unidentified gunmen shot and wounded two drivers carrying goods to the state capital along NH 37 on Monday night.

It is one of the two highways where an economic blockade was imposed by the United Naga Council from November 1 protesting against the state government's plan to create two new districts -- Jiribam and Sadar Hills.

Over 1,030 trucks and oil tankers were being escorted from Jiribam, adjacent to Assam, towards Imphal on Monday.

Some gunmen opened fire at a truck bringing rice at Sheijang in Tamenglong district. Driver S. Rahman was injured in the incident.

In another incident, other gunmen shot and wounded another driver K. Ibomcha near Awang Khul in the same district.

The injured drivers said that though they had informed police and paramilitary personnel of the gun attack, no search operation was conducted.

Another driver said: "Whenever there are blockades, there have been gun attacks and torching of trucks in these areas."

Anil, President of the All Manipur Transporters and Drivers Union, said: "There should be adequate security coverage for the drivers."

On three occasions, the Manipur High Court has directed the state government to provide adequate security so that there is free movement on the two highways.