Manipur economic blockade: Militants open fire at oil tankers, two injured

Malom (Manipur) [India], Jan. 25 (ANI): The Manipur economic blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur) and NH-37 (Imphal-Jiribam) since November 1 has been undergoing toughest time as suspected National Socialist Council of Nagaland -- Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM) militants fired several round of gunshots at oil tanker vehicles which were carrying essential commodities in Imphals' Malom village.The incident took place at around 11.00 a.m. yesterday Reportedly, the oil tanker and the other truck convoys ferrying the essential commodities were being escorted under tight security forces as the UNC has been imposing indefinite economic blockade along the two National Highways which are the lifelines of Manipur. It must be mentioned that heavy security forces have been deployed in the areas. During the attack, at least three vehicles have been damaged of which one driver suffered grievous injuries by the bullet and the handyman got hit by the splinters of the front glass which got hit by the bullet. Condemning the act, all the drivers of the oil tankers, under the banner of All Manipur Petrolium Tanker and Drivers Association gathered at Malom Indian Oil Corporation and announced to go on strike till the blockade is removed. They further said that unless and until the government does not arrest the NSCN-IM members, the drivers will remain off the road and will also not unload the fuel. It is reported that additional security forces have been rushed to the area and are conducting search operations. (ANI)