Sit-in flays abduction, pleas release
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 08 2014 : Decrying abduction of Island Tangkhul village secretary Mathotmi Chahong by armed persons suspected to be KNF (N) cadres a sit-in protest held today at Nagaram demanded safe and early release of the 45-year old.

Speaking to newspersons at the protest venue, Tangkhul Naga Valley students' Association (TNVSA) secretary MC Hopeson said Mathotmi Chahong s/o Ningatei Chahong of Island Tangkhul village under Sadar Hills was whisked away by about 15 well armed persons attired in combat uniforms, suspected to be Kuki National Front - Nehlun (KNF-N) militants, from his home at around 9 pm of February 7 .

Stating that Mathotmi's abduction is the second such incident to have occurred in the village, he said on July 27, 2013 two workers name-ly Isaac Shinglai (49) of Is- land Tangkhul village and H Khoidum Singh of Khurai Lamlong, who were engaged in the construction of Tribal Development Block building were also abducted by cadres of the same armed outfit.

Sit-in-protest at Nagaram

After seven days in captivity KNF-N released the latter duo in exchange with Rs 15 lakh, revealed the secretary further disclosing that the TD Block building contractor was again served Rs 5 lakh demand by the said group.

Informing that Mathotmi is an ordinary villager who supports his family of six by ta- king up whatever odd job he could get, Hopeson urged for early and safe release of the village secretary on humanitarian ground.

Cautioning that not honouring the sincere appeal might compel the students' body to launch agitation in association with other organisations and villages, he also informed about a memorandum submitted to the Home Minister Gaikhangam, also the Deputy Chief Minister.

Urging the Government of Manipur's immediate intervention in securing Mathotmi's release, the TNVSA representation said that contrary to the villagers' endeavour for peaceful co-existence in the area Kuki militants have been issuing threats and abducting Naga officials as well as innocent villagers for ransom.

Naga villagers, particularly those settled at Island Tangkhul village, have been staring at constant insecurity as Kuki militants have been continuously issuing threats ever since the TD Block construction work began, mentioned the memorandum along with pointing out that on February 7, 2013 well-armed Kuki militants asked the labourers to cease work at the site.

Expressing that such threats and incidents of abductions have been causing mental disturbance to the villagers, the students' body prevailed upon the Deputy CM on the urgent need for setting up an Army station for security of people of Island Tangkhul and nearby villages.

The Government of Manipur would be held responsible if any Naga citizen falls victim to unwanted activities of disruptive elements, cautioned the TNVSA memorandum.