Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 16:
Giving two days time for releasing a Komrem youth whose whereabouts remain unknown after he was allegedly pulled up by Assam Rifles personnel, village elders and NGO leaders have threatened to boycott the Army and Assam Rifles stationed in Komrem tribe inhabited areas of Manipur if the youth is not released within the set deadline.
The youth identified as 18-year old Abi Chiru was allegedly pulled up by personnel of 24 AR from border town of Moreh on January 27 last.
Authorities of the AR unit concerned, however, denied arresting Abi while assuring that enquiries are being made on the matter.
Along with one Nungshiba Kom of Kangathel village, Churachandpur, Abi, who hails from Uran Chiru village of Imphal East district was reportedly strolling around the border town when he was pulled up by the para military force.
The decision to boycott the Army and Assam Rifles was taken following a public meeting organized jointly by Manipur Forward Youth Front ( Mafyf) and Komrem Development Organization ( KDO) at Uran Chiru village.
Mafyf president Sapamcha Kangleipal said the meeting attended by leaders of various NGOs including National Identity Protection Committee (Nipco), Mapi Council, Komrem Union and Centre for Organization, Research and Education (Core), etc also decided to launch a series of agitation with public support if the State Government fails to do the needful in tracing out Abi's whereabouts.