Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, August 26 2009:
Suspected armed cadres of NSCN (IM) allegedly beat up three officials of the International Institute for Popular Science working under the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare today at Lugathang village under Khoupum Police Station in Tamenglong district.
The three officials were beaten up with sticks by about well-armed 20 cadres of the outfit at about 9.30 am today.
The officials went there as part of Global Adult Tobacco Survey work.
The officials who were hospitalized at RIMS hospital are Research Officer Leimapokpam Gunindro (33), son of L Bijoy of Mayang Imphal Samu-shang presently residing at Kwakeithel Thokchom Leikai, Investigator Moirangthem Romeo (33), son of M Lalmani of Sagolband Meino Leirak and Laikhuram Hemjit (30), son of L Ibotombi of Kongba Bazar.
The three officials went to Lugathang village yesterday and with the permission of the village chief started survey works like preliminary mapping and listing of the houses.
Around 20 persons armed with sophisticated weapons who claimed themselves to be cadres of NCSN (IM) came to the village around 9.30 am and told them that even if the Prime Minister had given them permission, they are not allowed to do anything without permission of the NSCN(IM).
Then they started beating them with sticks.
After beating them severely, the cadres ordered them to go back as quickly as possible carrying their things.