Abduction and intimidation on rise despite govt claim of tough vigil

IMPHAL, Nov 14: Even though the state government has intensified deployment of security forces especially in the Imphal municipal areas to prevent any unwanted eventualities involving UG elements, the number of cases related to kidnapping for ransom and bomb threats have been increasing.

One Section Officer of MU Engineering cell was today kidnapped by the suspected militants. The crime was officially registered by the police following a complaint from the victim family.

According to source, whereabout of the SO of the MU Engineering cell identified as Thongam Dolal Meitei, 32, son of Th Panchamani of Khongman Zone-V was not known since October 11 last after he was abducted by some unidentified men suspected to be militants on his way to office.

According to the family source, the information of his abduction was given by a colleague of the kidnapped man on October 11.
The family also followed suit and they informed that they were contacted by the abductors on mobile phone and claimed Dolal was in their custody for some discussion related to the money which the MU authority has fail to pay to the their organization.

The family was also informed not to stage any forms of dharna or protest in connection with the abduction.
In the meantime, the local residents of Khongman Zone-V and family members held a sit-in-protest at the community hall of Khongman Zone-V today to protest the abduction.

Thongam Ongbi Sangeeta Devi wife of the victim while participating the dharna appealed to the concerned abductors to release her husband on humanitarian ground.

In yet another incident, some unidentified persons suspected to be militants placed one live hand grenade at the gate of the residence of Thingujam Muhindro, 51, son of Th Tomba of Khongam Zone-V yesterday morning.

The hand grenade was removed safely by the Police bomb squad and disposed later.

According to family source this was the second time that unidentified militants placed hand grenade to his residence, and motive behind the bomb threats was yet to ascertained.