Abducted Minister's son freed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 04, 2008: Health and Family Welfare Minister Pheiroijam Parijat's son Okenjit, abducted by some persons who identified themselves as cadres of the proscribed KCP (MC) in connection with a monetary demand of Rs 20 lakhs, has been freed today.

Okenjit was abducted by 7/8 persons in combat fatigue and wielding sophisticated weapons including AK rifles from his Nongada Awang Leikai residence under Lamlai police station at about 7.30 pm yesterday.

Parijat's son meeting the people after being rescued

According to police sources, a combined team of Imphal East police, 23 AR and 115 Bn BSF launched an operation in Thamnapokpi area in search of the Health Minister's son this morning.

But Okenjit who was held in captivity for about 14 hours, told media persons that he and his abductors reached Boljang village this morning.

Without saying anything, the armed persons left him at the house of the Boljang village chief.

Later the village chief saw him off on a motorcycle towards Yaingangpokpi, Okenjit said.

Taking part in the press meet, Health Minister Parijat disclosed that one of his family member was given a demand note of Rs 20 lakhs on August 30.The demand note was signed by KCP's fund raiser in-charge Wanglen Khuman.

Soon after learning about Okenjit's abduction, Parijat asked the Yaingangpokpi post Commander of 23 AR through telephone to search for his son as he suspected hands of KCP-MC and KNA which is under SoO pact with both the State and Central Governments) in the abduction, the Minister confided.

At about noon today, 23 AR informed him that Okenjit was with them following which Okenjit was brought home.

The abductors of Okenjit rang up Parijat last night and asked whether he would like to see Okenjit alive or not.

With this threat, they asked for another Rs 20 lakhs in addition to the Rs 20 lakhs they demanded earlier in case the family wants Okenjit alive.

On the other hand, police have recovered a van (AS-11/6994) reportedly used by the abductors.

They left behind the van as it broke down on the away after taking Okenjit for just about 500 metres.

The abductors hijacked another van and took away Okenjit.

A gold ring and a chain of Okenjit lost during transition from one van to another have also been recovered from a paddy field adjacent to the spot.

Lamlai Police have registered a suo motto case in connection with the incident.

While appreciating the role of Assam Rifles and Police in the safe release of his son, Parijat asserted that the Government and security forces should be extra vigilant to check such incidents in future considering the critical situation of Manipur.

According to sources, only AR troops were involved in the search operation conducted this morning.

The Imphal East police team led by SP Th Radheshyam joined the operation only after the Assam Rifles asked them to join the operation.