Dr Lungkim released, economic blockade called off

Imphal, Mar 19 (UNI) Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) cadres have released Dr T Lungkim, a religious leader and human rights activist, after detaining him for two months.

KLA members told reporters that it had "decided to award capital punishment to Dr Lungkim for alleged misuse of money and interference in party affairs," but decided to release him safely yesterday after appeals were made from all quarters.

Meanwhile, the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO), which had called an economic blockade on the National Highway from today to demand the release of Mr Lungkim, has called off the protest.

Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh and other members of Manipur Legislative Assembly had condemned the kidnapping of Dr Lungkim.

Dr Lungkim (82) was kidnapped on January 17 last from Molnom village by KLA cadres. The KLA had allegedly demanded Rs one crore for his release.

However, KLA militants denied that they demanded money for the release of Dr Lungkim.

UNI NS SP SHB LR BST1804