Officials were rescued, says Dy CM, but vague on details
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 13 2013:
Police have succeeded in rescuing the two Horticulture officers who were abducted by some unidentified persons for ransom, claimed Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also in charge of Home Department.
M Priyokumar, Farm Manager of Horticulture Office, Senapati and Assistant AO W Ibopishak were abducted by the unidentified persons on August 8 .
They were rescued at about 3.30 pm and the officers have reached their homes, Gaikhangam stated at a press meet held at Congress Bhavan today.
Stating that police, Horticulture Department and the Government worked overtime to rescue the abducted officers, the Deputy Chief Minister hinted that a faction of KRA-U might be responsible for the abduction.
Strangely, Gaikhangam did not disclose who and from where the abducted officers were rescued.
On being enquired if the Government has taken up any definite measures in connection with the recent incidents of abduction of Government officials for ransom, Gaikhangam stated that there were reports of some groups under SoO pact indulging in such unlawful activities.
The issue would be deliberated in a Joint Monitoring Group meetings and other security meetings.
The Government is very clear that it would take up befitting action if any group under SoO or ceasefire pact violates the law.
Abduction and harassment of officials who are deputed to hill districts would hinder Government's efforts to bring noticeable development in the hill districts.
Rather, full cooperation should be extended to officials deputed in hills districts in the interest of common people.
The abductors would not be happy if their families are made victims of similar criminal acts.
On being asked about the UNC's decision to halt railway work and power grid work indefinitely in pursuit of their demand for alternative arrangement, Gaikhangam pointed out that the UNC put to the demand for alternative arrangement to the Centre, not to the State Government.
The issues concerns the Centre.
As for the State Government, it would take up necessary measures if any one commits unlawful activities, he added.