4 wood cutters of Ukhrul villages abducted
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, March 26 2021:
Four wood cutters of Ukhrul villages were kidnapped by suspected NSCN (K) armed cadres on Wednesday while working in the forest areas of Tusom village Ukhrul under Jessami police station, Manipur.
According to New Tusom village secretary, Agarso, NSCN (K) cadres armed with weapons abducted four innocent civilians while working inside Indian territory between International border Pillar No 128 and 129 yesterday at around 11.30 am.
The villagers contacted the neighbouring villages including Myanmar villages to inform them and assist in tracing and rescuing the victims.
The labourers were identified as VS Thumlan (24) of New Tusom, NK Thanreimi (32) of Chingai village, RS Pamshang (47) and R Keinan (35) of Poi village.
Agarso further revealed that in March last year, two persons were abducted from the same forest region by NSCN (K) for ransom.
The two persons were later released after payment of Rs 4.30 lakh in exchange for their lives.
The village secretary also mentioned that the four labourers were working for the last two weeks in Zanglai Lawei forest areas of Tusom village inside the Indian territory, 10 kms from the village without any external interference.
He questioned why innocent labourers were targeted at random without any specific reasons and stated that life is not secure now and such anti-social activities have to be stopped.
Any conflict or issue can be settled amicably through peaceful negotiations to uphold the essence of coexistence and mutual respect for every community living in the border region, he added.
Agarso also mentioned that the same matter has been informed to the Assam Rifles stationed at Tusom Khullen for their intervention and assistance in rescuing the captives.
The village secretary further urged on behalf of the village community as well as families of the three people to not hurt or harass the lumberjacks and fervently appealed the NSCN (K) to release them safe and sound at the earliest.
It may be mentioned that the area is covered with thick forest and is flanked by four Myanmar villages Somrah Khullen, Phungdaret, Leiyum and Ngachan village.