Blockade strands over 50 loaded trucks 5 abducted labourers freed
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, November 18 2015:
Five kidnapped labourers engaged by Simplex Infrastructures Ltd have been reportedly freed by suspected militant outfit United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA) .
They were abducted by suspected UTLA militants for ransom from near Makru bridge along Imphal-Jiribam road around 8 am of November 4.This road is also known as National Highway 37 which is one of the lifelines of Manipur.
According to a delayed report, the five labourers were released safe and sound by the armed kidnappers somewhere between Jiribam and Tamenglong district in the afternoon of November 13 .
Jiribam which is about 220 km west of capital Imphal is a sub-divisional headquarters of Imphal East.
On what condition the militants freed them could not be confirmed.
Militants frequently kidnap labourers and transporters on highways connecting the State for ransom.
Meanwhile, nearly 200 goods-laden Imphal-bound trucks have remained stranded in Leingangpokpi area along Imphal-Jiribam road due to the indefinite economic blockade imposed by the Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) since last midnight.
Over 50 loaded trucks are also stranded in Jiribam, reports reaching here added.
JDDC launched the strike to push its demand for conversion of Jiribam to a full-fledged revenue district.
The committee has expressed anger against the Manipur Government for allegedly neglecting the issue.