Abductions for ransom in Manipur continue

Imphal, Jan 28 (ANI): The people in Manipur continue to suffer, as there is no end to the abductions for ransom by militants.

On January 21, Khwairakpam Ibobi Singh, Senior Divisional Sales Manager of Indian Oil Corporation was abducted between Chingmeirong and Khonghampat area near Imphal when he was returning from the Chingmeirong oil depot.

The People's Support Group, which is reportedly behind the abduction, has demanded a ransom of Rs one crore from Indian Oil Corporation for Singh's safe release.

"We kept trying his number after he went missing till someone took the call and confirmed that he had been abducted and was with them. They did not give proper information but demanded Rs one crore as ransom," said Bijayanti Devi, the wife of the abducted official.

In another incident, the cadres belonging to the Karbi People's Liberation Front abducted two drivers and handymen of LPG bullet tankers for a ransom. he outfit has demanded Rs 50 lakhs for their safe release. he two drivers and handymen were abducted between Golaghat and Garampani in Assam.

"My husband is the only one who earns money for my family. Now I can't even support my children. I am waiting for him to come back. But till now I don't have any information about him," said Boramani Devi, the wife of the abducted driver Arun.

"I am worried about my son. We earn very little and these militants have done this to us. I want to request the concerned authorities to have pity on me. I want my son back safely," added Sanahanbi Devi, the mother of abducted handyman.

The incident has provoked anger amongst other drivers, who staged a sit in protest outside the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers' Union's office at Mantripukhri.

The road transport association has already petitioned the Governments of Manipur and Assam for securing the release of the abducted drivers and their wish to ply trucks on NH 53 instead of NH 39.

"We are scared to ply vehicles on NH 39 as militant groups attack us," said Dilip Singh, Secretary, Driver's Union. (ANI)