Imphal, May 29 (NNN): Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh, while strongly condemning Friday’s ambush incident in Ukhrul district, said a truck driver from West Bengal was killed in the incident. A police constable also sustained bullet injury on his knee in the ambush.
Meanwhile, the Working Committee of the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) has accused the Kuki militants for the act.
The Chief Minister said he condemned, in the strongest terms, the ambush carried out on a goods vehicle “by unknown armed miscreants” on Friday, along the National Highway-202 in between Leingangching and TM Kasom under Litan police station, Ukhrul district.
The Chief Minister expressed his deepest condolences on the loss of life of the truck driver from West Bengal, who succumbed due to bullet injuries in the said unfortunate incident.
“Ambushing goods vehicles and taking the life of a driver, who plays a crucial role in ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential items across the state is one of the most cowardly acts and intends to further aggravate the tense situation prevailing in the area”, he added.
Khemchand further stated that the ambush seemed to be carried out by vested interest groups with the ill-motives to derail the initiatives of the state government to restore peace and normalcy in the state.
Yumnam Khemchand prayed for speedy recovery of the police constable, who sustained bullet injury on his knee in the ambush.
The Chief Minister informed that search and cordon operation is being carried out in nearby areas to nab and punish the culprits as per the law of the land.
Ultimatum to govt
The All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) has served a 4-day ultimatum to the Government of Manipur, counting from May 29, “to establish the condition and position of the six Naga hostages”.
The Naga student body demanded that the government hand over the six Naga hostages to the Naga people within these four days. “Failing to establish within the stipulated period, the Nagas shall be compelled to collectively boycott the present Government of Manipur and may appeal to all Naga legislators supporting the present government to withdraw their support in the larger interest and security of the Naga people and support the movement”, the ANSAM also said.
