BJP joins release chorus; candle vigil, protest held
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, November 14 2024: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda Devi has appealed for safe release of the three women and three children abducted by armed Kuki militants from Jakuradhor village in Jiribam district on November 11.Addressing the media BJP's Nityaipat Chuthek office, here, Thursday, Sharda urged for immediate release of the abducted women and children, and hand them over safely to their family.

She informed that when the incident occurred, the union home minister and other leaders took steps to protect the citizens.

Sharda said she met Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who is currently in Assam, requesting him to take up necessary security measures for the civilians.

She continued that the union home minister had been apprised of the conflict in Manipur from the time it broke out till now, either over the telephone or in meetings.

The press meet was also attended by BJP vice president N Nimbus, L Deben, general secretary P Prem-ananda and secretary K Bikram.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena, Manipur urged the 60 MLAs to go to Delhi and knock on the centre's doors to secure safe release of the abducted women and children.

State president M Tombi also condemned the spread of violence in Jiribam, terming the abduction of six people including three children and three women as the 'most condemnable act'.

He appealed to the abductors to release the hostages on humanitarian grounds.

He also asked the Kukis not to be disillusioned by their rationale that they could take over someone's lands by burning down their homes and properties.

Republican Party of India-Athawale (RPI-A), Manipur also demanded the government to rescue the women and children abducted at gun-point by armed Kukis, within 24 hours.

Addressing a press meet held at Manipur Press Club, RPI (A) Youth state president Meiraba Heisnam said that the ministers and MLAs do not need to warm their seats any longer if they cannot rescue the hostages within a day.

Apunba Awonba Manipur Amagidamak (AAMA), Kanglei Woman Welfare Association (KWWA), and All Manipur Progressive Students' Association also jointly appealed for the immediate and safe release of the abducted women and children.

Meanwhile, students spearheaded by COCOMI Students' Front staged protest on Thursday wearing black badges in schools and colleges, to condemn the abduction of six civilians by Kuki narco-terrorists and demand their immediate and safe release.

The Front under the banner Mass protest against the abduction of six civilians by Chin-Kuki narco-terrorist' launched the protest from 10.30 am to 11.30 am.

Speaking on the side-lines, Front co-ordinator Ningthoujam Dhanakumar informed that the protest intended to exert pressure on state and central governments for securing safe release of the abducted civilians.

The government's failure to rescue civilians underscores inaction and security lapses, he denounced.

Criticising as irresponsible Jiribam MLA Ashab Uddin's contention that the chief minister did not hand over any power to him, Dhanakumar questioned whether the MLA will still remain silent when people are killed and civilians including minors abducted under his jurisdiction.

Moreover, chief minister should clarify the statement of MLA Ashab Uddin and explain the reason for not giving power to the MLA.

The protesters held placards inscribed with slogans 'Release abducted women and children', 'No Children day until the captured children are release', and 'Today is Children Day, release the innocent children' among others.

Meanwhile, civil society groups, including TMP Manipur, EMA Trust, Yelhoumee Phurup, and Taragee Cheisu, organised solidarity candlelight vigil at Kangla Western Gate on Thursday evening, appealing for the safe and immediate release of six civilians abducted by Kuki militants.

The captives include three children, their mothers, and grandmother.

Speaking at the event, Yelhoumee secretary RK Bidyalakshmi expressed deep concern over the abduction.

It is disheartening that these children and their family members are being held hostage, especially on Children's Day, she said while urging for their unconditional release.

In addition to the vigil in Imphal, Democratic Students' Union of Manipur (DESAM) conducted similar candlelight vigils in different parts of the state to show solidarity and demand the safe release of the abducted civilians.

Displaced residents of Moreh, who are currently sheltering in relief camps in Wangjing, Thoubal district, also participated in the collective call for justice by holding a torch rally.

The participants voiced their plea for the safe return of the six civilians, amplifying the demand for peace and security amid ongoing tensions.

Internally displaced persons (IDPs) taking refuge in relief camps also called for safe release of the six civilians abducted by Kuki militants from Jiribam on November 11.Children putting up at the Bidyanagar relief camp expressed sorrow over the brutal killing of two senior citizens by Kuki militants in Jakuradhor Karong village and appealed for release of three children and three women.

The children chanted slogans such as, "Today is Children's Day, we want our sisters and brothers back" and "Release the innocent children" .

IDPs residing in the relief camp at Oinam College, also staged sit-in protest against the abduction of children and women, called on both the state and central governments to ensure safe release of the hostages.

National People s Party (NPP) Manipur, led by national vice-president Y Joykumar, also called for immediate release of the six individuals taken hostage by armed Kuki group in Jiribam.

The party expressed sympathy for the deceased's families but stressed that the attack on security forces led to the casualties and condemned the subsequent abductions and arson.

The party urged Kuki-Zo and Hmar communities to intervene and release the hostages unconditionally to restore peace.

The NPP also appealed to local MLAs, former MLA Dr Chaltonlien Amo, Assam Rifles officials, and union home minister Amit Shah to use their influence to secure the safe return of the abducted individuals and help restore calm in the region.

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