Manipur militants abduct village council head

Imphal, Sep.15 (ANI): Cadres of Kangleipak Communist Party-Mobile Task Force recently kidnapped the woman head of the village council and demanded a huge ransom for her safe release.

Four suspected cadres of MTF faction of Kangleipak Communist Party recently abducted Khangembam Sharmila, head of Mongsangei Makha Leikai Gram Panchayat, along with her relative, Priyoranjan, 24.

The militants released Priyoranjan after shooting her in the leg. They later demanded a ransom of Rs. 12 lakh for the safe release of the woman head.

Her family members are in distress.

"They abducted my aunt and me from the house and drove around for a while. They shot me in the left leg and left me behind and took my aunt with them," said Priyorajan.

"We are feeling so lost without our mother. I request the militants to release my mother unharmed," said Naobi, daughter of Sharmila.

The incident has evoked wide criticism among people and they are demanding her immediate release.

Womenfolk of Mongsangei staged a sit in protest in the locality.

"The militants forcefully enter people's houses and fire indiscriminately without caring that it might hurt innocent people. We are against such acts," said Nungshitambi, a protestor.

"They are kidnapping people, throwing bombs at their residences just to extort money. This is not acceptable. These incidents have made people even wary about moving around freely outside their homes," said Purnimashi, another protestor.

People want militant outfits to give up violence so that peace and normalcy can return to the troubled. (ANI)