Fisherman drowns, 1 missing, 1 rescued
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 14, 2012:
A gale that swept across Loktak lake last night left one fisherman drowned while another fisherman was rescued even as a third one is missing.
According to information culled from the spot, the body of one Haobijam Binod (67) of Phubala Tourist Road Awang Mamang Leikai was found floating on Loktak lake between Phubala and Sendra at about 7 this morning.
The body was located by villagers who went out in search of Binod.
It is reported that Binod and one Laishram Tomba ventured to Loktak Lake in search of one Lairenlakpam Soben (45) last night.
It is said that Binod was a relative of Soben.
The duo found Soben at about 10 pm and the information was passed to their families through mobile phone.
After this, no contact could be made.
Assam Rifles PRO in a statement issued today said that troops of 33 AR and 5/9 Gorkha Rifles launched a joint rescue operation and managed to rescue L Soben Singh after 12 hours of search.
It is said that a gale was sweeping across the lake before and after the telephonic communication.
As the villagers went out searching for the missing trio this morning, Binod was found dead at about 7 am.
After searching for about four more hours, Soben was found holding to a boat in unconscious state at Sendra.
He was immediately brought up and taken to AR camp located at Sendra Tourist Home where he was given treatment.
It is said that Soben has recovered satisfactorily.
The villagers have been searching for Laishram Tomba together with AR personnel but he could not be located till the time of filing this report.