Imphal, August 20: The two abducted truck drivers who were released by their captors in Dimapur on Saturday after nine days in captivity were escorted back safely to Imphal by a team of Manipur police this afternoon.

With their safe release and arrival at Imphal, transporters have lifted the suspension of inter-district goods trucks and 407 mini tatas services and normal service will resume from tomorrow.

Chabungam Ibungo and Loungjam Dharmendra were given a grand reception by the All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union at the union office.

The two drivers were escorted from Dimapur to Pipima by Dimapur police.

Kohima police escorted them upto Zakhama and from there Mao police escorted them.

A reception was also organized by members of the truck Owners Welfare Association, driver Union and Drivers Association at Kangpokpi area.

Narrating their nine day ordeal, Ibungo recalled that they were abducted by unidentified armed persons at a place near the Highway Petrol Pump in Dimapur on August 10 nights.

The abductors came in some vehicles.

The gunmen blindfolded them and tied their hands and drove them towards the jungles.

After driving for around 506 hours, they were then forced to alight from the vehicles and freed there, he said.

The gunmen then thrust them inside a tent.

More than 20-30 gunmen some in combat dress kept strict vigil all the time.

They were not allowed to talk to anybody but were not subjected to kind of ill treatment during their captivity.

In the morning of August 18, they were blindfolded and taken out of the jungle in a jeep.

After a few minutes drive, the gunmen released them on the road after handing over Rs 300.Later they hitched hiked on a jeep and reached the Dimapur police station, Ibungo further said.

Y Lokeshwor, a leader of the truckers said the Naga Hoho, Dimapur, Naga Council Dimapur, Naga Baptist Church committee; Dimapur and Dimapur Meitei Union gave full co-operation.

He also expressed gratitude to Merina Aao, Younger Aao, members of the truck Owners Welfare Association, Dimapur and manger Shanti for their help in the release of the drivers.

Association president Ranjit said with their release, the suspension of goods truck services in the State will be lifted from tomorrow.

However, inter-State goods transport service will remain cancelled.

Brahmapur Youths Athletic Star Union held a reception for Ibungo at the Union office.

Dharmendra was felicitated by resident of Keisamthong Longjam Leirak during a function organized at Leikai mandap.

A reception of the drivers was also held at the office of the Manipur Drivers Welfare Association in the evening.

Meanwhile, in a joint statement, All Manipur 407 (Mini Tata) Owners cum Drivers Welfare Assn., All Manipur Road Transport Drivers and Motor Workers Union, All Manipur Local Truck Owners Assn and All Manipur Sand and Stone Suppliers Assn have thanked State organizations and transport bodies including the United Committee Manipur for their unflinching support in the effort for the release of the drivers.

The transporters body have also expressed their gratitude to Nagaland and Assam for their co-operation.

Imphal Toushang Road Motor Owners Coop Society expressed its happiness at the release of the two abducted drivers.

In a statement the society expressed its unhappiness over lack of support from NGOs to demand for adequate supply of fuel.

It said that transporters are facing hardships due to non-availability of fuel.

They are now procuring fuel from black market at an exorbitant rate.

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