Petroleum tankers stop ops in Manipur after attack
Not ready to take risk, says truckers’ union
Armed miscreants opened fire at LPG and petroleum tankers at Kangmai, 45 km from Jiribam, on Tuesday forcing the North East Petroleum Mazdoor Union to stop plying tankers to Manipurwith immediate effect.
“We will not transport LPG cylinders or any petroleum products to Manipur from today due to security reasons till restoration of normalcy in the state. We also urge the Indian Oil authority not to force our drivers to transport petroleum to Manipur,” said NEPMU general secretary Ramen Das.
“If there is an emergency, the security forces can carry such consignment at their risk,” Das added.
The incident took place at around 10.30 am on Tuesday between Kaimai Kuki and Tollen Kuki villages along NH 37 in Tousem Sub-Division of Tamenglong district, where five tankers were damaged, including one LPG and four oil tankers. The miscreants allegedly ambushed the tankers and opened fire injuring a driver and a helper.
Following this incident, NEPMU announced that they would not ply tankers along the highway from Tuesday.
More than 45 to 50 tankers carrying LPG cylinders and petroleum products ply from the IOCL depot in Silchar to Imphal via Jiribam regularly.
Meanwhile, the Joint Tribes Students’ Association (JTSA), All Inpui Students’ Union, Zeme Students’ Organisation, Manipur: Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization, Manipur: Liangmai Naga Katimai Ruangdi, Manipur strongly condemned the incident and demanded that the administration to take action against the armed miscreants.
“In such an excruciating juncture, the Nagas are playing pivotal roles in accommodating and bringing tranquillity and peace among different communities in the state. Irrespective of different backgrounds and community /tribe, the JTSA strongly believes in the principle of unity in diversity and peaceful coexistence of people leaving aside its individual(s) interest and differences,” the statement said.
The JTSA asserted that any untoward incident that happens in the future will not be tolerated and this statement be taken as a stern final warning against the defaulters. “Such an act of cowardly indulgence is a serious crime against humanity and an act of terrorism that even crosses the line beyond communalism, especially during this hard time at this present scenario,” they said.
“Incidents like this not only tarnish the image of a particular community and state but also undermine the harmonious atmosphere we strive to maintain. We demand that immediate action be taken against those responsible miscreants for their heinous acts and we expect a thorough investigation to ensure that justice is administered by the laws of the State. It is essential that such incidents are not tolerated and the miscreants are held accountable for their actions,” they added.