Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 02:
AE of Thoubal Division PWD Sorokhaibam Menjor, who had been in the custody of PULF for five days, has categorically stated that subordinate staff in the Works Department are suffering as fallouts of the inability and failurea of the higher authorities of the Department to resolve the problems that arise from time to time.
Menjor was released from the custody of the armed outfit PULF yesterday after being held captive for five days.
Addressing a press conference in this connection with his abduction at his Charangpat Mayai Leikai residence today, Menjor observed that the officers who are above the rank of EE can enjoy escort protection and they are also give residential quarters in places where there is no lack of security.
So it is desirable on the part of the higher authorities of the Department to ensure resolving of all the problems that may arise from time to time so that the sub-ordinate staff like AE, SO and other lower rank officers who are on field duty and have no connection with financial dealing can perform their duty without any fear and restriction from any quarters, Menjor urged.
In connection with his abduction, Menjor informed that the armed cadres of PULF had explained to him that it has nothing to do with any personal enmity, but neglecting the outfit by the Department when it approached for its due rights.
He recalled that on the day of the abduction, that is on January 28, after coming out from the head office of the Department at Khuyathong at around 4.30 pm in a jeep, he along with another staff were proceeding toward Thoubal, when five armed persons who identified themselves as PULF activists stopped them at Lilong Usoipokpi.
From there, they were taken to Kadir Palli where the other staff and the jeep were released and he was taken into custody.
He was kept blind-folded all the while in the custody and it was removed only at the time of his released at Lilong Keithel yesterday.
While staying in the custody of PULF, Menjor informed that he had not been subjected to any sort of physical torture nor interrogation.
Apart from Kadir Palli, Menjor said he knew none of the places he taken been taken to.
He also denied having knowledge on what condition he had been released by the armed outfit.
Nonetheless, Menjor expressed his profound gratitude to all his higher officials and subordinate staff of the Department, Meira Paibis and other social organisations who have played a major role in securing his safe release.