No let up in missing cases of children
Boy gives kidnappers the slip, protests galore, one more girl missing
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 17: Even as protest demonstrations were staged at different parts demanding handing over 'missing kids', a teenaged boy studying in CC Higher Secondary School here reportedly managed to escape from the clutches of his armed kidnappers while another girl studying in class VIII has been reporting missing from Pishum Oinam Leikai neighbourhood since July 13 .

The matter related to the attempted kidnapping of Leishangthem Bipinchandra (17) son of Leishangthem Tomba of Thoubal Leishangthem Khong Manung but staying in a rented room at Bamon Leikai in connection with his study at CC Higher Secondary School where he is studying in class XII arts, came to light after the landlord contacted the school authority informing that Bipinchandra dread to go out and attend school.

Dharna demanding the release of the missing children and inset the missing girl

In this connection, Principal of the school Y Nongalei said until the landlord contacted the school, neither the school authority nor his classmates had any idea why Bipinchandra, who otherwise is very regular attendance, did not come to school.

Acting on the information given by the landlord, some representatives of the student union of the school were sent to his rented room to find out the truth and Bipinchandra was brought to the school.

After the recent spate of reports on kidnapping or missing of children, the school authority has already put the chowkidar on alert, the Principal said, adding that the matter related to the attempted kidnapping of Bipinchandra would be brought to the notice of the Government and the police.

Talking to mediapersons, Bipinchandra recalled that on that fateful day at around 8.30 pm, he was going towards Bamon Leikai Heikhakhog Makhong to buy pen and some exercise books when two unidentified armed persons followed him from behind.

They overpowered him tying his hands and gagging his mouth before taking him towards Thangapat side.

At Thangapat, the two armed persons not only beat him up but also pushed him inside the water while threatening to kill he if made any noise.

Afterward, one of the armed persons was holding his hand and keeping a guard over him while the other making a mobile phone call asking some persons to send vehicle.

Taking advantage of the moment, he bit the hand of the armed persons who was holding him, he managed to escape and fled from there.

The two armed persons did chased after him but stopped after some distance, Bipinchandra said, adding that after that incident he dared go out and go to school.

Family members of Bipinchandra said that they are apprehensive of allowing him to stay away from home in connection with his study.

They also appealed to all the student bodies and civil organisations to ensure such incidents do not recur.

On the other hand, a 15-year old girl studying in class VIII in Haobam Marak Girls' High School identified as Longjam Jenebi has been reported missing since July 13 from her Pishum Oinam Leikai neighbourhood.

According to her uncle Sunil, Jenebi was not at home when he returned.

Subsequently, he went to see whether she was at her music class.

But found out from her music teachers that though she had come and left her harmonium, but she did not come back.

People of the neighbourhood suspected that Jenebi may have gone along with another girl identified as Abenao whose whereabouts too has not been known since July 13. A JAC has also been formed in connection with missing of the two girls.

In protest against the recent spate of incident of kidnapping or missing children, Wakat Meephams were held at different parts of the State today.

At Thoubal Babu Bazar, people of the area staged a Wakat Meepham demanding handing over Akoijam Bipinchandra (13) and Akoijam Ajoy (13) of Thoubal Kiyam Leikai whose whereabouts have not been known after they have gone missing.

At MU Main Gate here, local Meira Paibis and club members staged a similar demonstration in connection with missing of Pebam Bishwajit (12) of Kiyamgei Awang Leikai.

Expressing concern over kidnapping of young children, All Manipur College Teachers' Association, in a statement, has also appealed to all concerned to stop such activities at once and handed over all those children who are still in their custody to their respective families.