Cola vans damaged

SURAT, May 29: A gang of youths burnt a Pepsi van and damaged a van each of Pepsi and Coke on Friday in protest against the nucelar tests conducted by Pakistan and what they called tacit US support of the tests.

A group of about 15 motorborne youths armed with iron pipes and inflammable substances targeted the vans at Parle Point, Kadarshani Naal in Nanpura, and Bhatar Char Rasta areas within a span of about 25 minutes in the afternoon. Following the incidents, Pepsi has sought police protection. A company official said they would not withdraw operations from any area, but the trucks would be accompanied by police.

Additional police commissioner P C Thakur admitted that the situation was indeed serious and said Pepsi has sought police protection for all its 26 vehicles.

Earlier, the youths riding motorcycles and armed with pickaxes intercepted a Pepsi van opposite Kutchhi supermarket at Parle point at around 2:45 p.m. set it afire after bursting open the fuel tank. The driver escaped unhurt while theactivists fled the scene before the police reached the spot.