NSCN(IM) threatens the Manipur govt. truckers

Imphal, Sep 24 (UNI) Large number of trucks carrying goods of the Manipur government are being allegedly harassed and threatened by the NSCN(IM) cadres on the Highways.

Sources said the trucks coming here had to revert back to Guwahati due to alleged extortion by the cadres.

All the oil depots in the state have been closed after the NSCN (IM) demanded huge amounts of money from the Indian Oil Company here.

The state government peeved by people's condition had written a letter to the Centre to intervene into the matter.

The NSCN(IM) was on a truce with the centre and officials said as per the ground rule of the truce cadres were not allowed to move around with weapons and resort to extortion activities.

The state government also expressed disatisfaction over the activities of the NSCN(IM).

Many trucks were stranded on the NH as the NSCN(IM) has warned the drivers of dire consequences if their demands were not paid, sources said.

'' The drivers are physically assaulted by NSCN(IM) cadres,'' the truckers said.

57 Mountain Division GOC Major General E J Kochekkan said stringent action would be taken against any cadre found with arms or resorting to illegal activities.

A tour operator said there were frequent cases of miscreants looting passengers on the highway near Nagaland sector.

Two girls were also allegedly raped earlier by some miscreants, he said.

UNI NS PP AKP1223