IMPHAL, April 18 � A truck driver was shot dead by suspected hill-based armed militants on the Imphal-Jiribam road last night, reports said.
The incident took place when a rice laden truck (MN 04 A 3991) with driver S Babu of Samurou Mamang Leikai in Imphal West district, was stopped by a group of armed militants near Charoi Pangdongba area under Saparmeina police station, in Senapati district around 8.30 pm last night.
Protesting the incident, a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed by the locals of Samurou has called a 48 hour general strike from Thursday midnight.
The All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers� Union has also called a 24 hour total Chakka Bandh from Thursday midnight. Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, in charge of Home, has strongly condemned the incident.
He also directed the police to check the security lapses, if any, as the goods carriers usually move on the highway with security escorts.
In another development, the general strike called by another Joint Action Committee against the killing of one Md Sana turned violent in some Muslim inhabited areas today. Police fired tear gas shells to control the agitators at Hatta and Yairipok areas.
The strike was called in protest against the killing of Md Sana by a mob at Yairipok in Thoubal district on April 12. Meanwhile, the government has instituted an enquiry into the death of Md Sana and asked the report to be submitted within 30 days. IGP T Pachau has been appointed to probe into the circumstances leading to the death of Md Sana and the causes of the conflict.