Passenger bus strike in Manipur

Imphal, Oct 25: The All Manipur Inter-State Bus Association on Saturday, Oct 25 launched an indefinite strike to protest the alleged torching of a bus by militants in Assam on Thursday, Oct 23 night, leading to the death of two persons.

The association alleged that a bus was torched by suspected Kuki militants at Naorijan area of Karbi-Anglong district in Assam, resulting in the death of the two persons, including a woman passenger, from Manipur.

All bus services to Nagaland, Meghalaya and Assam were cancelled and large number of passengers were stranded at the North AOC Parking, Imphal.

Association president A Buddha Luwang said the passenger services will remain cancelled until the government takes up positive action to stop extortion by militants on National Highway 39 in Manipur, Nagaland and Assam.

Bus owners revealed that militants operating on National Highway 39 were demanding money from bus operators and if the demand was not met the buses were being attacked.

The association has also called a meeting of all passenger service associations and units to discuss the issue.

The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union also said it will support the decision of the inter-state bus association.

The bus operators will also discuss the alleged illegal taxation levied by security personnel on the highway.

UNI