Ukhrul bank loot case: Search Ops on, many condemn
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, December 01 2023: Ukhrul superintendent of police Ningshem Vashum on Friday said that investigation into Thursday's Punjab National Bank (PNB) Ukhrul Branch loot case is underway and search operations to nab the culprits have been launched along with beefing up necessary mobile security measures at all exit points of the district.

"We have started investigation into the case.

But it's too premature to give any comments at the moment.

We are working in close coordination with the Assam Rifles," SP Ningshem told the media at his office, here, on Friday evening.

He also informed that IG Zone-Ill Rishitu Chawal and DIG Range-IV Worn-gam Ningshen are stationed in the district to crack the case.

He disclosed that the police have so far obtained statements from the bank staffers and interrogated the security personnel designated at the PNB.

Meanwhile, Tangkhul Frontal Organisations (TFOs) and Autonomous District Council (ADC), Ukhrul have strongly condemned the act of looting Rs 18 crore from the PNB branch office at Viewland.

In a joint statement, Tangkhul Naga Wunganao Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Mayar Ngala Long and Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong stated that "the act of robbery or burglary is never part of our culture.

Such a brazen act striking at the heart of our community has shaken and disrupted the fabric of our society" .

It emphasised that the robbery at PNB is not just a monetary loss, but a blow to the stability and trust, affecting sense of security and confidence within our community beyond mere finances.

"Such criminal actions impede the growth and prosperity that our region strives for.

We vehemently condemn this atrocious act and stand united in support of law enforcing authorities as they tirelessly work to bring the perpetrators to justice".

Stating that the safety and well-being of the citizens remain an utmost priority, the TFOs urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

"We also call upon each individual of our community to stand together, resist against such criminal activities and reinforce our commitment to fostering a safe and prosperous environment for all," they said.

In another joint statement, ADC Ukhrul caretaker chairman A Mark Luithing Phungthar and ADC Ukhrul employees said that the incident which took place in Ukhrul on Thursday evening where some armed men looted all the cash from the vault of PNB Ukhrul Branch is highly deplorable.

Over all these years, the bank has been functioning as the main artery of all banking systems in the district.

It serves as the lifeline for all government employees of the district, business firms, daily wage-earners, farmers, etc.

Such callous act is a total breach of normalcy in the district and has caused an indelible mark in the reputation of the town which has relatively been one of the most peaceful places in the state as a result of peace talks between Government of India and Nagas, it stated.

"Moreover, it is so disheartening that such abominable act which is totally alien to our culture is being perpetrated under full public glare just when the Christian dominated community is anxiously waiting for the advent of Christmas," it said.

While vehemently condemning the heinous act in the strongest term, the ADC urged the law enforcing authorities to expeditiously trace the culprits on war-footing and also appealed to all civil population, civil societies to be vigilant and aid the district administration.

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