Imphal, August 17: The Nagaland Baptist Church Council and Naga Hoho have appealed for release of two Manipuri drivers who were abducted by unidentified persons from Dimapur recently, Dimapur based Nagaland Post reports.

NBC general secretary Rev Zhabu Terhuja in a press statement said the drivers must be released immediately whatever be the reason behind the abduction.

The Naga Hoho president M Vero also in a release urged the abductors to immediately release the kidnapped drivers unharmed so as to prevent any communal tension between the Nagas and Manipuris.

Mean while, protestors today took out a rally in the city demanding safe release of the two truck drivers.

A memorandum was also submitted to Governor by the protestors.

The abducted truck drivers have been identified as Chingsubam Ibungo alias Kunjeshwar (33) of Bramhapur Bheigyabati Leikai and Longjam Dhamendra Singh (30) of Keisamthong Longjam Leirak.

The rally which started at around 9.30 am from Singjamei Bheigyabati Leikai passed through New Thumbuthong, Moiragkhom and Nupi Lan complex where they were stopped by police.

The march was organized by Athletic and Sports Association, Bramhapur Social Club, Oriental Club, United Youth Organisation, Youths Athletic Star Union, Youths Club Bramhapur, Keisamthong Longjam Leirak Development Club and meira paibis.

Later four representatives were allowed to meet Governor Ved Marwah at the Raj Bhavan and submit their memorandum.

The memorandum appealed to the Governor to take up timely measure for the safe release of the drivers.

The Governor assured the delegation that he will contact the Nagaland Chief Minister and the DGP and work out moves for their release.

However no specific deadline for rescue of the abducted drivers.

Meanwhile, the Imphal Ukhrul Road Drivers Union has stated that it will begin agitation if the drivers are not released at the earliest.

In a statement, the union has expressed confidence that the Naga Hoho, Kohima and Nagaland Council would extend possible help for their release.

Paradise Club Wangkhei, Manipur State Territorial Safe Guard Committee, Lmaboikhongangkhong, Huidrom Youth Development Organisation, Khurai Thongam Leikai have also appealed for the safe release of the abducted drivers, they pledged support to any agitation for their release.

All Manipur Petroleum Transporters Association has appealed for the safe release of the drivers.

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