IMPHAL, August 1: At least 11 trucks were reportedly damaged when suspected blockade supporters pelted stones while many more vehicles were forced to return along the National Highway 2 and 37 in the wake of the seven-day long economic blockade imposed by the Sadar hills districthood demand committee (SHDDC) which commenced from July 31 midnight.
However, no other major incidents were reported during the first day of the seven-day long blockade till the filling of the report.
Meanwhile, the SHDDC has warned that it would be compelled to take extreme steps if the transporters fail to comply with the blockade.
Talking to IFP Tonghen Kipgen, general secretary SHDDC said, “We seek co-operation from the public, transporters, if they don’t co-operate we will take up our own course of action without any warning from next time”.
He further condemned the government for using force against bandh supporter today at New Cachar road. “We don’t want any violence but it is obvious that we will react if our plight is challenge by using forces”, he added.
Furthermore, while condemning the imposition of Cr.P.C 144 in Sadar hill areas, Tonghen questioned whether the Sadar hills people were not the citizens of the state. He stated that the government is trying to suppress the interest of the people of Sadar hills by depriving their genuine demand which was already passed in the parliament.
According to reports, blockade supporters attacked convoys of trucks with stones for defying the economic blockade along the New Cachar road NH-37 this morning around 11 am. During the attack windshield of the some trucks were destroyed however no major damage was inflicted.
The convoy of trucks was escorted by a combined team of CRPF and Commandos personnel. It has been reported that the security personnel arrested 6 bandh supporters and thrashed them for pelting stones at the trucks. However, the 6 arrested individuals were later released owing to the intervention of women folks, further said the report.
The reports further stated that windshield of at least five trucks were smashed by suspected blockade supporter which includes 4 vehicles in Motbung area and one at Kangpokpi.
Further according to a separate official source, at least 200 goods laden trucks including 40 oil tankers, 60 LPG bullet tankers are reportedly stranded at Mao area along the NH-2.
However an immediate report was not available of stranded vehicles along the NH-37.
