Abducted BIPL workers released, KIK asks NPO to clarify; NPO says joint efforts led to safe release of abducted workers
Source: The Sangai Express

Kpi/Spt, March 11 2019: Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District expressed serious disappointment over the allegation of Naga People's Organization (NPO) in the abduction case of three BIPL workers by NSCN(R) on March 6 and demanded clarification to avoid misunderstanding.

Kangpokpi civil bodies under the aegis of Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District held a reception function of the three BIPL workers, who were abducted by NSCN(R) on March 6 between Kangpokpi DHQs and Changoubung, at KSO Sadar Hills office at Kangpokpi DHQs after they were released without causing any harm by the abductors yesterday night at 11 pm at Karong in Senapati District.

During the reception function, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit said that various Senapati District Frontal Organizations had condemned the incident which was appreciated by the CSOs of Kpi and Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District.

However, the statement made by NPO President, Solomon Arow stating that, as per their investigation, the abductors took the abducted BIPL workers to Kangpokpi area and the confirmation that workers are not confined in Senapati District, has deeply disappointed the people of Kangpokpi who wholeheartedly took initiative and played key role for the safe release of the workers.

He continued that in order to unearth the truth, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District asked the three BIPL workers as to where they were held captive by the abductors, to which they responded that they were taken to Senapati and held captive in an unknown jungle until they were released yesterday night.

Based on their disclosure, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District Secretary, Lamminlun Singsit questioned the authenticity of the NPO investigation and asked the motive behind the false allegation.

The Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District also demanded clarification on the part of the NPO chief at the earliest so as to avoid any misunderstanding and cautioned that he will be held responsible if any communal misunderstanding arise out of the issue.

The three BIPL workers were received by the Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District at KSO Sadar Hills office at Kangpokpi DHQs in the presence of SP Kangpokpi accompanied by Addl SP Kangpokpi and their families, BIPL officials and other civil society organizations.

Later, Kuki Inpi Kangpokpi District handover the three BIPL workers to the concerned SP Kangpokpi who later handover them to the BIPL officials.

Among the three BIPL workers, Temba said that they were treated well by the abductors while they were held captive in the jungle.

He said that they were kidnapped as the abductors want to talk to BIPL officials.

He also said that the abductors communicated with them in Manipuri language but conversed in Poumai language between the abductors.

Senapati: On the other hand, Solomon Arow, President, NPO said that the safe release was made possible with the involvement, cooperation and sacrifice of the entire Civil Organizations of Senapati district in a simple function held at the office of the Naga People's Organization, Senapati today.

Earlier, NPO had warned those involved in the abduction to release the captives immediately.

The president also asserted that such step was taken in joint efforts in which they also searched and had dialogue at different level and finally, the labourers were set free on Sunday night at around 11.30 pm.

The President further appealed and cautioned all not to repeat such acts in future.

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