Cops foil rally to demand release of abducted contractor Irabanta
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, July 30 2012: Demand for release of Irungbam Irabanta, who has been allegedly abducted by NSCN-IM, unabated with the Joint Action Committee ( JAC) constituted in connection with his disappearance submitting a memorandum to state Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on Monday even as the JAC tried to organize a protest rally in the street.

However, police thwarted the protesting JAC members from further advancing the rally near Sanjenthong.

The police later allowed three JAC members to submit a memorandum to the state Chief Minister urging him to secure Irabanta's release.

Many members from various civil societies, including All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and other civil bodies based in Nongdam area were present at Monday's demonstration.

Police preventing JAC member, who try to sumbit a memorandum to CM in connection with the abduction of contractor Irungbam Irabanta, at Sanjenthong

The memorandum stated that Irungbam Irabanta, 38, son of late I Kerani of Nongdam Maning Leikai under Lamlai Police Station, Imphal West has gone missing since May 27 after he left home along with one Winner , hailing from Ukhrul's Harpham to have negotiation with NSCN-IM functionaries over the supply work of Maphou Dam.

It had been confirmed that Irabanta was at the region office of the rebel NSCN-IM on the morning of May 28 based on an SMS received, the memorandum mentioned.

The mobile phone of Irabanta remained in switch off mode when his family tried to call him and that the person identified as Winner also failed to response on his phone when making several calls by the family.

On May 30, brother and brother-in-law of Irabanta, namely I Devata and S Guna went to Ukhrul pursuing his way but Winner's wife had told them that her husband was staying at New Salem and not at home.

Then they were desperate and returned home.

After five days, some family members, including Irabanta's wife, Modhubala had visited Ukhrul but bore no fruit, the memorandum added.

The family also pleaded with some Tangkhul civil organizations to help trace Irabanta.

They had also approached to the Region Office of NSCN-IM and brought up the matter before the latter's Central Administrative Officer ( CAO ), Francis but this time also the effort came out to be fruitless.

However, some cadres among the outfit showing compassion on them had divulged the fact that Irabanta was being kidnapped by the rebel, the memorandum further added.

Missing reports were also lodged with Lamlai Police Station and Ukhrul Police Station at the same time and that a Joint Action Committee was formed comprising of members of several local meira paibis, village authority, club and other civil organisations.

On July 17, a public meeting was organized at Nongdam Community Hall where various NGOs were also took part and later a general strike was also imposed on July 21-22 to protest the abduction of Irabanta.

At the meeting, the JAC had condemned the state government for not taking seriously over the disappearance of Irabanta and also, it demanded the government to arrest Winner, Francis and Leisi involved in the kidnapping of Irabanta.

The JAC in the memorandum also urges the government to fulfill its demands within five days else it will take up various forms of agitation.

Speaking to media persons, co-convenor of the JAC, R.K Shantikumar said that the issue has been brought to the notice of all authorities concerned of the state.

However, the whereabouts of Irabanta is still not known.

He also appealed to the authority concerned of the state to arrest the persons who involved in abduction of Iranbanta and punished them in accordance to the law of the land in public interest.