Abduction of Irungbam Irabanta: 60 hours general strike from today
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 20 2012:
Demanding safe and immediate release of contractor Irungbam Irabanta, the JAC constituted in connection with the abduction/disappearance of Irabanta has called a 60 hour State-wide general strike with effect from 5 am tomorrow (July 21) .
This was announced by Hidam Shila, convenor of the JAC Against Abduction of Irungbam Irabanta by NSCN-IM, Nongdam Maning Leikai during a press conference at Manipur Press Club this afternoon.
Meanwhile, the Ukhrul SP has collected a report about abduction of Irabanta from his wife Madhubala.
The SP reportedly claimed that investigation into the case was making good progress.
Information received from Ukhrul District Police said that something substantial can be established in the next couple of days.
Shila said that the JAC and Irabanta's family have made repeated appeals through media to release Irabanta.
Whereas the State Government has been treating the matter in the most casual manner, NSCN-IM has denied involvement of their cadres in the abduction.
Such casual response of the Government which smack of utter irresponsibility compelled the JAC to call the general strike, Shila said.
It is a matter of worry and serious concern that it is not known whether Irabanta is still alive or not when no one has come out with any reason for abducting Irabanta.
Meanwhile a press release issued by Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang said that RK Ngaraipam of Lamlai Khunou (Ramei Aze) and Robin Jajo of Shingkap village were also abducted together with Irabanta.
The TNAL has also strongly condemned the reported abduction of the trio.
It also demanded those responsible for the abduction to release the trio before the crisis deepens and goes out of hand.
The Tangkhul Shanao Long (Tangkhul women's union) has appealed to all concerned for the immediate and safe release of the abducted man.
A statement issued by the president and general secretary of TSL, Silla J Konghay and S Asha also shared deepest empathy with the wife and family of Irabanta in the pain and suffering they must be enduring.
Stating that the cowardly act of abduction could only create unwanted situation and disturb the peaceful coexistence of the society, the statement added that such acts should not be repeated.
Notably, Irungbam Irabanta (38) of Nongdam Maning Leikai went out of his home on May 27.He used to supply sand and stone to Ansal Limited which is constructing Maphou Dam.
A call attention motion was also raised in the State Assembly during the recently concluded budget session on July 11 about abduction/disappearance of Irabanta.
Responding to the motion, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that a police team led by the Ukhrul SP was investigating the case.