Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 26 2009:
Three Government officials who were assigned to conduct survey regarding usage of tobacco items in Tamenglong district were beaten severely by suspected NSCN (IM) activists at the district's Nungadang village.
The three were at the said village for the survey under a programme of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare when suspected NSCN (IM) members affronted them this morning.
The victims included Moirangthem Romio (33) of Sagolband Meino Leirak, Laikhuram Hemjit (31) of Kongba Keithel and Leimapokpam Gunindro (29) of Mayang Imphal Samushang but presently a resident of Kwakeithel.
Talking to newspersons, the victims contended that upon reaching Nungadang village yesterday the village authority was consulted to conduct the survey which was consequently approved.
However, at around 9.30 am today some armed persons identifying themselves as cadres of the NSCN (IM) organisation showed up at the village at tied up the three before thrashing them inside a public place.
It is informed that Nungadang village of Tamenglong district is among 50 locations (villages) identified for coverage under the Union Ministry's Global alert Tobacco Survey (GATS) being conducted throughout the country.
They also said that under the Union Ministry, Mumbai-based NGO 'Synovate' was entrusted with the task of surveying use of tobacco items and that Socio-Economic and Development Centre, an Imphal-based NGO was supposed to carry out the exercise in Nungadang village.
The victim trio, working with the Imphal-based NGO, have been admitted to RIMS Hospital with thrashing marks all over their bodies.
Confiding that purpose of their visit was to complete the initial phase of sampling and listing work with the main field visit yet to be carried out.
A Synovate official, who was also present at RIMS Hospital opined that inclusion of Nungadang village for the GATS survey was supposed to have benefited the place in terms of awareness level of the local populace in checking tobacco-related diseases.
He also confided that the incident would be a huge set-back as no one would prefer to visit the location again.