Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 11:
After 33 days of high tension, the three PHED officials who were abducted by the Kuki Liberation Army on November 8 were set free today somewhere at Sadar Hills.
Producing the three officials before a team of media persons, a spokesperson of the outfit, Thunder Kuki, said that the three were being set free after some understanding was reached between the KLA and the PHED authority.
Following the release of the three officials, Assistant Engineer K Sarat, SO Ksh Tombi and SO W Bhaskar, the PHED employees have decided to call off their stir from tomorrow and resume water supply duties.
The spokesman claimed that the three officials were not kidnapped for ransom and added that no money was exchanged for their re lease.
Thunder Kuki explained that the three were abducted as the PHED authority had leaked out in formation that led to the killing of its two cadres, Morning Star and Living Star by police commandos.
To a question raised by the reporters, the spokes person evaded a direct reply but said that the three were being released as the PHED has agreed to abide by certain conditions put forth by the KLA.
Reacting to the statement issued by the UCM recently, the spokesperson said that its.
(UCM) stand was unfortunate and clarified that the three were not abducted for ransom, contrary to what the UCM said.
It would have been more befitting for a responsible organisation like the UCM to appeal for their release instead of coming out with some pressure tactics, he added.
The, three officials could have been released a long time back but their release was delayed as the Chief Engineer of the PHED had refused to come and negotiate with the KLA, said the spokesperson.
Speaking to the newsmen prior to their release, the three officials said that they along with another 7 employees were taken captives by the KLA at Bongpa, village on November 8.All of them were taken captives by the KLA but the rest were freed while the three were kept under custody.
"We were to head to wards Keithelmanbi to survey a water supply scheme taken up there, they informed.
The officials also gave a clean chit to the KLA and explained that they were not ill treated at all during their days in captivity.
Assistant Engineer AK Surjit said, "I am a diabetes patient.
Whenever I needed any medicines, they were supplied by the KLA cadres.
We did not receive any information during our days in captivity and we were allowed to bathe twice during this period.
We were also taken to two different places during the 33 days".
The freed officials accompanied by the media persons were received by Thoubal SP K Kailun at Yairipok.