Truck divers abduction cause panic in Manipur

Imphal, Nov 20: Truck owners in Manipur have expressed concern over the repeated abduction of drivers in Nagaland for refusal to meet monetary demands by various groups and individuals.

Three drivers were also abducted in Nagaland yesterday. All vehicles passing through that state have to pay large sum of money allegedly to security personnel and militants, resulting in hike in prices of all commodities brought via National Highway 39.

The National Highway is the only road connecting Manipur to the outside world.

Official sources said suspected miscreants kidnapped three drivers near Kohima yesterday. The handymen were reportedly asked to come back with money if they wanted the drivers to be released. No truck left Imphal today. The truck owners have demanded security.

Earlier all passenger buses had stopped plying on NH 39 after suspected Kuki militants burnt a bus resulting in the death of two passengers at Assam for refusal to give money.

Recently, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh had assured that security would be provided in Manipur and the army, under 3 Corps, would provide security to passenger buses and trucks in Nagaland and Assam. However, the problem still persists, the truck owners rued.

UNI