Abducted govt officials released in Manipur

Iboyaima Laithangbam

The two officials of the Horticulture Department, Imphal, who were kidnapped by the militants of the Kuki Revolutionary Army (United) on August 8 in Senapati district were rescued by police. Disclosing this to journalists Home Minister Gaikhangam Gangmei said that the repeated violation of the ground rules of the suspension of operations by some underground organisations shall be brought to the notice of the Joint Monitoring Group for necessary actions. Mr. Gangmei is not happy that some militant groups have been misusing the provisions of the suspension of operations to kidnap officials for extracting ransom.

However talking to journalists on Wednesday the two officials said that they could not see a single policeman from the place they were released to Kanglatongbi where their family members were waiting for them. They said that three Kuki militants armed with hand guns had overpowered them on Thursday while they were returning home. They were taken deep inside a bridle path after blindfolding them. They were kept at a makeshift camp. They were guarded round the clock by the Kuki militants armed with hand guns and double barrel guns. They were kidnapped for a ransom of Rs 50 lakh. However it is not known whether the government had paid any ransom to secure the release of the two officials.

During detention they were quizzed why the Horticulture department was not taking up developmental projects in Sadar Hills areas in the district. The officials informed that such projects are being undertaken. They were not maltreated or harassed during the detention. The kidnappers who identified themselves as militants of the KRA(U) which is a signatory to the suspension of operations snatched their mobile phones, cash, ATM cards. Late on Tuesday evening they were released and allowed to go towards Imphal in an autorickshaw. The family members who were informed of the release met them at Kanglatongbi in Senapati district.

The Manipur government is concerned over the increasing instances of violations of the ground rules of the suspension of operations. Though the government had brought these kidnappings for ransom to the notice of the higher authority precious nothing has been done so far to stem the rot. Over 20 underground organisations, mostly Kuki militants, had come overground after signing the suspension of operations with the Union government.

Referring to the announcement by the United Naga Council that it will obstruct the construction works of all central projects in Manipur Mr. Gangmei said that the government will come down with a heavy hand. He said that adequate security arrangement will be made so that the construction works could be carried on. The UNC had imposed a 48 hour general strike demanding resumption of talks with the Union government. It says that the Nagas in Manipur do not want to stay under the “communal government” and is demanding “alternative arrangement” for them.