Imphal, November 16: Categorically denying the charges of the KLA that the three PHED officials were being held captives as the Department had tipped off the police that led to the killing of its two cadres in June this year, PHED Minister Govindas Konthoujam today said that the outfit has demanded a sum of Rs 50 lakhs as ransom money for the three officials.

Speaking at the World Press Day function held at State Guest House today, the PHED Minister said that the three officials were taken captives by the KLA when they had gone to inspect a project taken up by the Government.

The charge that the three officials were being held captives for tipping off the police is nothing but to justify their action, said the Minister and added that if anything bad happens then it could lead to undesirable developments.

Stating that Manipur has today become a breeding ground for terrorist outfits, the Minister questioned whether the KLA will exterminate the three if their demands are not met.

The ransom demand could also be at the behest of individual interest, he iterated.

Touching on other pressing matters besetting the State, Govindas said that corruption has become a vicious circle and hinted that the vast amount of money that a candidate has to spend in each election could be one reason for corruption taking such firm roots.

Manipur has today become a breeding ground for corruption, observed the Minister and added that the presence of so many armed groups could be another reason for this malaise.

Later talking to newsmen after the function, the Minister said that the Govt is not negotiating with the KLA on any ground and added that they have information that the outfit has got in touch with the family members of the hostages.

The charge that the KLA has heaped on the PHED is nothing but an attempt to justify their action if anything undesirable happens to the abducted persons, he reiterated.

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