Chakka bandh likely from today in Khurai areas
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 21 2022: The Khurai Social Youth Club (KSYC) has resolved to launch chakka bandh in Khurai Lamlong Bazar from Sunday (May 22) onwards if the two truck drivers who have allegedly been taken hostage by Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) are not released forthwith.

The two drivers are Thangjam Pal (42) from Khurai Puthiba Leikai and Maibam Mani (45) from Khurai Chingangbam Leikai.

Speaking to the media at Khurai Lamlong Bazar today, KSYC advisor Munindrokumar Waikhom said that the club might launch more agitations, beside chakka bandh, if the demand is not entertained.

He also urged the State Government to respond to the situation and rescue the two drivers who have been held captive since May 18 last.

Claiming that the owner of the content loaded in the truck seemed to have no concern for the abducted drivers, he asked what the response would be if it was the contractor who fell into the hands of the armed group.

Elder brother of one of the abducted drivers Thangjam Anantakumar stated that his brother Thangjam Pal was hired by one Takhelmayum Robin from Khurai to to take fertilizers from Jiribam.

Saying that Thangjam Pal went out from his house on May 18 to complete the task, Anantakumar maintained that his brother, however, was taken hostage for monetary demand by an armed group.

Claiming that his family was somewhat relieved on learning that the driver (Thangjam Pal) will be set free after speaking with Robin, Anantakumar maintained that the phone of his brother, however, went off after imploring to find Robin on May 18 evening.

"I don't even know if my little brother is still alive," he said and asked why Robin is in 'hiding' instead of co-operating. He also asked if the two drivers were abducted on the direction of Robin.

He further asked Robin to take full responsibility if anything bad happens to his brother who has allegedly been taken hostage in an undisclosed location.

"We didn't lodge any complaint as per the assurance given by Robin but it was found that the contractor hadn't intimated the police about the abduction," he claimed and maintained that they will lodge a complaint to Khoupum police station as the crime took place in the area.

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