IMPHAL, Aug 29: The DIG CRPF, P.S. Rajora in a statement refuted the news reports about burning of an empty truck near Taphou Kuki Village on NH-39 under the CRPF escort, stating that the reports was misleading and not true.
The statement said that the convoy of empty trucks had left at bout 5:30 am from Mantripukhri Imphal under their escort while the truck bearing No. NL-O1A-2241 that was reportedly burnt left Imphal about 10:30 am. The movement plan is drawn a day ahead and all concerned are informed to report on time and join the convoy adding those who are left behind or arrive late are asked to wait to join the next convoy, it said.
It said that the convoy timings are decided in co-ordination with various agencies and security forces and also the BRTF who are engaged for route clearance. This is essentially done to avoid traffic jam and land slide areas. As confirmed by the Driver Sharat, the said truck NL-01 2241 loaded with Atta bags unloaded in the morning on August 28.
When the driver learnt from his colleagues that CRPF escort has already left from Imphal, the said empty truck driver left Imphal about 10:30 am after unloading the stuff, without any information to CRPF and without escort.
It maintained that the convoy of empty vehicles under CRPF escort had already arrive at Mao gate when the alleged truck driver left Imphal. Moreover the area where the incident took place is not covered by CRPF ROP. Hence the report that the empty truck was moving at rear of CRPF escort and got isolated because of mechanical defect is not true and misleading, it said.
The CRPF has been doing their task with outmost sincerity and high devotion. The personnel have served the society with spirit of sacrifice and everyone of the member have responded to the call of duty with sacrifice of self in face of adversaries, said the DIG in the statement.
It suggested all the truck drivers and owners to move on NH-39 with CRPF escort only which runs daily between Imphal and Dimapur convoy starts from Mantripukhri Imphal with empty vehicles and from transist camp at Dimapur with loaded vehicles. Every vehicles which reports on time is taken under escort. It is the responsibility of CRPF to take these vehicles safely and hand over after arrival at the destination, adds the statement.