Abduction/disappearance of Irungbam Irabanta
Memo submitted to CM, police foil protest rally
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, July 30 2012:
Demand for release of Irungbam Irabanta, who has been allegedly abducted by NSCN-IM, went on unabated with the Joint Action Committee (JAC) constituted in connection with his disappearance submitting a memorandum to State Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh on Monday even as the JAC tried to organize a protest rally in the street.
However, police thwarted the protesting JAC members from further advancing the rally near Sanjenthong.
The police later allowed three JAC members to submit a memorandum to the state Chief Minister urging him to secure Irabanta's release.
Many members from various civil societies, including All Manipur United Clubs' Organisation (AMUCO), Poirei Leimarol Apunba Meira Paibi Lup and other civil bodies based in Nongdam area were present at Monday's demonstration.
The memorandum stated that Irungbam Irabanta, 38, son of late I Kerani of Nongdam Maning Leikai under Lamlai Police Station, Imphal West went missing since May 27 after he left home along with one Winner , hailing from Ukhrul's Harpham to have negotiation with NSCN-IM functionaries over the supply work of Maphou Dam.
It had been confirmed that Irabanta was at the regional office of the rebel NSCN-IM on the morning of May 28 based on an SMS received, the memorandum mentioned.
The mobile phone of Irabanta remained in switch off mode when his family tried to call him and that the person identified as Winner also failed to respond on his phone even as several calls were made by the family.
On May 30, brother and brother-in-law of Irabanta, namely I Devata and S Guna went to Ukhrul pursuing his way but Winner's wife had told them that her husband was staying at New Salem and not at home.
Then they were desperate and returned home.
After five days, some family members, including Irabanta's wife, Modhubala had visited Ukhrul but bore no fruit, the memorandum added.
The family also pleaded with some Tangkhul civil organizations to help trace Irabanta.
They had also approached the regional office of NSCN-IM and brought up the matter before the latter's Central Administrative Officer ( CAO ), Francis but this time also the effort came out to be fruitless.
However, some cadres among the outfit showing compassion on them had divulged the fact that Irabanta was being kidnapped by the rebel, the memorandum further added.
Missing reports were also lodged with Lamlai Police Station and Ukhrul Police Station at the same time and that a Joint Action Committee was formed comprising of members of several local meira paibis, village authority, club and other civil organisations.
On July 17, a public meeting was organized at Nongdam Community Hall where various NGOs were also took part and later a general strike was also imposed on July 21-22 to protest the abduction of Irabanta.
At the meeting, the JAC had condemned the state government for not taking seriously over the disappearance of Irabanta and also, it demanded the government to arrest Winner, Francis and Leisi involved in the kidnapping of Irabanta.
The JAC in the memorandum also urges the government to fulfill its demands within five days else it will take up various forms of agitation.
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