Sit-in staged over missing VDF
Source: Chronicle News Service

Thoubal, January 27 2023: Appealing to the government to trace the whereabouts of VDF member Ningombam Premananda Singh alias Dingku of Thoubal Okram Maning Leikai, who went missing while on an overnight duty to destroy poppy plantations in Urantop hill range under Chakpikarong PS'of Chandel District, in the interest of his young kids; Okram Youth Club (OYC), Okram Leikai Mahila Mandal and the locals of Thoubal Okram staged a sit -in protest on Friday.

Speaking on the sidelines, Okram Leikai Mahila Mandal president Okram Sarodhoni recounted that Premananda, who was posted at Lilong Chingkham, left home on January 16, to carry out his duty related to the 'War on Drugs' mission.

However, he went missing while on duty and has remained untraceable till date.

She continued that his (Premananda) family had been surviving on his meagre VDF salary, in addition to funding the education of his children.

The locals can no longer bear to answer the queries of Premananda's two kids, who are always asking if their father has been brought back home.

Although efforts are being made under the supervision of CM Biren to find Premananda, she urged for additional efforts to find the VDF man and hand him over to his anxious family and locality.

Stating that Premananda's destination was in the hills, Sarodhoni appealed to the hill bodies and organisations, village chiefs and others to help find Premananda.

If this is a case of abduction, she appealed to the parties concerned to release the VDF on humanitarian ground and also for the sake of his two kids.

The Mahila Mandal president continued that although everyone supports the government's 'War on Drugs' mission, it is unfortunate for the people and the state to have a security personnel connected with the mission go missing.

Thus, she appealed to CM Biren, SP Thoubal and others concerned to help find VDF N Premananda and safely hand him over to his family.

During the sit-in, the protestors held placards inscribed with slogans, "We sup port War on Drugs", "We appeal to all to help find N Premananda Singh alias Dingku as soon as possible", "OYC supports government's 'War on Drugs'", and "We urge all to empathise with the family" .

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