Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, APRIL 14
The Dimapur bound NST bus coming from Meluri was intercepted by some unknown miscreants on Friday evening (April 11) between Dzü-ü River and BSF camp, Kohima. Details on late news reaching here, say the incident occurred close to mid-night at 11.40 pm. Six armed miscreants waylaid the bus 18 kms short of the State capital and looted the passengers of their belongings including cash and mobiles. It was immediately asked to continue its journey after the robbery Sources said the passengers were not harmed but the extortionists threatened to turn violent if they did not do as they were told. One of the passengers whose mobile and money was looted told Eastern Mirror that some of them (passengers) were even forced to move out of the bus for total frisking. While no arms were brandished by the miscreants, passengers who were forced to move out of the bus reportedly saw some of them carrying arms inside their jackets and shawls.
According to sources, the extortionists looted an amount of Rs 40,000 (Aprox) from the passengers. This amount was arrived at following interactions amongst the passengers after reaching Kohima. However, the exact number of mobiles seized was not known. There were a total of 33 people on the bus including 30 passengers, driver, conductor and one staff from the NST department.
While it has been reported that this was not the first of such incident in the said area, the public are asked to keep vigil and remain careful during their journey. The passengers are also advised to be extra cautious in carrying money during night journeys. Some passengers have also suggested for setting up Police outpost in this area, while some suggested the presence of a Police night patrolling team in this route.
