Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 16 2009:
In connection with the reported abduction of the husband of a Nagar Panchayat Councillor, local people of Uchol blocked Ngariyan-Andro road today.
Ch Tombi (65), husband of Andro Nagar Panchayat Ward No 12 Councillor Chingakham Radhe (52) was forcibly taken away by two unidentified youngsters from their Uchol Awang Leikai residence at about 8.50 pm of November 11 .
Ch Radhe said that she and her husband were warming themselves in the kitchen which is detached from their house when two unidentified persons entered their house in the night of November 11 .
As directed by some family members, the duo came to the kitchen.
Then the duo asked Tombi to go together with them to the house of Andro Nagar Panchayat Chairperson Aseibam Leirangton for a meeting there.
To this, Radhe proposed holding the meeting next day or she would accompany her husband if the meeting must be held that night.
"But they forcibly took away my husband", Radhe conveyed.
A mobile phone belonging to Tombi was also confiscated by one of the abductors.
After a gap of 2/3 days, the abductors intimated Radhe's family that they were cadres of the UPPK and that Tombi was detained for the arrogance of Chairperson Leirangton and misappropriation of Rs 15 lakhs sanctioned for development works.
Saying that Tombi had no faults, the abductors further assured that no harm would be done to him.
They also told Radhe to ask Leirangton pay back the misappropriated amount to the party by November 17 or make arrangement for conversation with her (Leirangton) even if it was through telephone.
However, all efforts of Uchol people to communicate with the Chairperson drew blank.
Taking serious note of the unfolding situation, Uchol people blocked Ngariyan-Andro road with an appeal for safe release of Tombi.
Volunteers of Uchol Youth Club and local Meira Paibis blocked the road at two points, Uchol Chingmei and Uchol Thongkhong using timbers and burning
tyres.
The agitators maintained that they would continue the blockade until the Chairperson comes out and solves the matter in consultation with her Councillors.