IMPHAL, December 23: The case of the kidnapped driver of the Tata truck ferrying rice for FCI concluded today with the driver being released. Earlier in the day, bandh supporters had resorted to violence damaging several vehilces at Keinou Bazar area.
Driver Chanambam Janeshore, 55 son of Ch Ibohal of Keinou Thongthak Leikai of Bishnupur was released safe and sound this evening at the place where he was abducted by the suspected UG cadres along the National Highway 37.
He was kidnapped from a place along the highway in between Lhalnam Kuki Villge and Old Keiphundai under Tousem sub-division on December 20 morning.
A JAC formed in connection with the kidnapping had on December 21 last, had warned of an indefinite state-wide general strike from 6 pm of December 23, if the driver is not released by December 22.
According to a police soure, Janeshore was dropped off blindfolded at the location. From there he boarded an auto till Dibong area in Jiribam where some of his relatives reside, said a police source.
Later, in the evening he along with a relative went to the Jiribam Police station.
Meanwhile, reacting to the failure of the kidnappers to release Janeshore by the set deadline of December 22, the JAC had imposed a general strike since this evening, during which few vehicles were damaged at Keinou Bazar area.
It is learnt that bandh supporters had assembled since this morning 6 at the Keinou Bazar area.
Sources said vehicle coming along the Imphal-Churachandpur Road during 6 to 9 am including a Maruti car, Safari, DI Truck were damaged at Keinou Bazar.
Following reports of the violent incident, Bishnupur police rushed to the spot and controlled and dispersed the bandh supporters.
Following the police intervention, the JAC called another public meeting at a public ground near the Keinou Bazar in the presence of the driver’s family and the truck owner. The JAC had also submitted a memorandum to the concerned DC.
Locals had also staged a sit in protest at the bazar area today.
