Abducted contractor remains untraceable
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 09 2012: Whereabouts of a contractor who supplied sand and stone for Maphou Dam construction remain unknown after he was abducted by cadres of the NSCN-IM which significantly is under a ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.

Irungbam Irabanta (38) s/o late Kirani of Nongdam Maning Leikai under Lamlai police station in Imphal East district could not be traced till date after he went out of home at about 9 am of May 27 last.

Irabanta was a supplier of stone and sand to Ansal Pvt Limited which is constructing Maphou Dam.

Speaking to media persons today at a rented room at Porompat, Irabanta's wife Modhubala said that her husband was abducted by NSCN-IM cadres and they came to know about it later.

In the morning of May 28, Modhubala received an SMS from him saying that he was negotiating with one Leishi and Francis of NSCN-IM.

A few minutes later she received another message which said "Winner has taken away my vehicle.

I'm waiting" .

When he left home on May 27, Irabanta was driving a white Gypsy (MN-01/2177) and he had Rs 16,000 with him.

Before leaving, Irabanta said that he was going to Ukhrul to talk something about contract works.

At one instance, MK Winner (33) who stayed for a short period in neighbouring New Salem village reportedly told Irabanta that he had contacts in the NSCN-IM and could negotiate.

"Winner was staying at Ukhrul town but when we went there to enquire about Irabanta, he and all his family members had already gone into hiding", said Modhubala.

Winner originally hails from East Tusom.

On further inquiry, it was learnt that Francis, CEO of NSCN-IM's Ukhrul regional camp and one Leishi of the same outfit were involved in the abduction and holding Irabanta a hostage.

"We kept quiet for a long time in the belief that the outfit would release Irabanta soon.

After waiting for several days, a complaint was lodged at Lamlai police station on June 8", the worried wife conveyed.

She said that her husband was still limping because of injuries he suffered on the left leg in a road accident that occurred in January 1 this year.

She also appealed to the concerned outfit to release her husband safe and soon at the earliest on humanitarian ground.

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