JAC demands safe release
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 19 2023:
A protest demonstration was staged today at Sekmai Bazar in connection with the capturing of truck driver Toijam Tomba (28) and labourer Moirangthem Deban by suspected Kuki militants.
Tomba and Deban were captured by suspected Kuki militants as they went to take back a truck which had broken down from Makhan on May 14 .
Demanding safe and immediate release of the two, Paraokhomba Development Association and Progressive Youth Development Organisation staged a protest demonstration at Sekmai Bazar where a joint action committee called JAC Awang Sekmai Apunba Phurup was constituted.
JAC convenor Thiyam Surjit said that they would launch strong agitation with the support of the people of Maharabi, Tendongyang, Leikinthabi and Leikinthabi Shantipur if Toijam Tomba and Moirangthem Deban are not released within five days.
In order to tow back the truck, they went to some saw mills at Charhajare asking for iron chains, Surjit.
They could be communicated with through telephone till 7 am of May 15.After 7 am, they could not be contacted in any manner.
The next day (May 16), some people of Charhajare said that Tomba and Deban were taken captives by suspected Kuki militants.
Some other people said that the duo were slain after subjecting them severe assault and torture.
Meanwhile, an FIR has been registered at Sekmai police station in connection with the disappearance of the truck driver and the labourer.
Even though information about registration of the particular FIR has been passed to both Motbung and Sapermeina police stations, the two police stations have done very little so far to trace the missing men, Thiyam Surjit said.