Imphal, 14 December 2016 : People intensified counter economic blockade at Khumbong bazar today and destroyed goods including food and essential commodities being transported to hill districts. The move came in the wake of firing by suspected supporters of the economic blockade on the loaded trucks coming towards Imphal last night. A truck driver was injured in the firing that occurred around 10.30 pm. The incident happened in an area which is about 6 km of Awang khul under Noney PS. The truck bearing registration number MN01 AA 0169 was carrying cement bags for Border Security Force (BSF). The injured driver is identified as Khulem Ibomcha of Khaidem Awang Leikai under Patsoi PS. The miscreants took advantage of darkness and lapses in security. He said he heard a loud noise and thought a tyre got punctured. When he looked backward to see if the vehicle behind him had a punctured tyre he was hit in the right arm. A large number of Khaidem and Khumbong came out and stopped all kinds of passenger vehicles coming from Imphal at Khumbong bazar. They pulled down goods including vegetables from the vehicles and destroyed them.

Wife of the injured driver Khulem Ranjana condemned the attack on a truck driver who is trying to make ends meet. She urged the govt to identify those involved in the firing.

Drivers who risk their lives by plying on national highways which are in deplorable condition and experience frequent bandhs and blockades have expressed their desire to form a Driver’s organisation which will look after their well being. Drivers of vehicles which are now stranded at Jiribam have expressed that they are facing the hardships due to bandhs and blockades however the people always target them during blockades.