Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30:
The people of Bongbal Kholen have nothing to do with the abduction of three PHED officials on November 8 by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA), chairman of Bongbal Kholen Village Authority Poakam clarified in a statement today.
He said the villagers have neither played any role in the abduction nor wished it to happen.
It was purely the handiwork of the militant group for reasons best known to them.
In fact, the abducted officials, who were supposed to be on an official visit to the nearby area had no reason to be at the village on that fateful day, Paokam contended.
However, he informed that around 20/30 villagers of Bongbal Kholen, who have approached the abductors on November 17 with a plea for safe release of the officials on humanitarian ground were harassed, threatened and warned with dire consequences by the abductors if they interfere in their activities.
While sharing the pain and agonies of the family members of the abducted officials, the Village Authority also prayed to God for safe release of the hostages and reunion with their family members at the earliest, Paokam added.
Meanwhile, Singjamei Kendra Development Organisation has appealed for safe release of the three PHED officials who are being held captives by armed cadres of Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) since November 8 for a ransom of Rs 50 lakhs.
The three officials have been abducted while they were going for a survey work at Nongpok Sekmai area.