A REPRESENTATION SUBMITTED TO THE HON'BLE CHIEF MINISTER, SHRI O. IBOBI SINGH, GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR, BY CHURACHANDPUR-BASED INNPIS/TRIBE COUNCILS ON MAY 6, 2016 IN THE MATTER OF RISING CASES OF ABDUCTION IN CHURACHANDPUR DISTRICT AND A REQUEST TO CHECK CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES THEREOF.

To:

Shri O. Ibobi Singh
Hon'ble Chief Minister,
Government of Manipur,
Imphal.
(Through the Deputy Commissioner, Churachandpur)

Subject: Rising incidents of abduction for ransom and a request to initiate strong measures to curb such criminal activities thereof.

Hon'ble Sir,

With reference to the above cited subject, we, the undersigned, on behalf of the public of Churachandpur district have the honour to state the following few lines for your immediate attention and necessary action, please.

That, we are deeply concerned by the rising cases of abduction in the district of Churachandpur whereby some vicious criminals have been abducting people for ransom. This practice is highly condemnable, and all efforts be taken to put an immediate end to it.

That, Mr. Muanthang and Mr. Suanmang of Lingsiphai village were abducted from their worksite during the month of March, 2016 for monetary consideration. The contractor who engaged them was demanded a ransom of Rs.50 lakhs. The intervention of civil society organizations barely saved their lives.

Barely a month later, Mr. Thangsianbiak @Biabiak Zou, the Public Relations Officer to Shri GS Haupu, Hon'ble MLA, 60 Singngat AC was abducted on April 26, 2016, by a hitherto unknown outfit called Tribal Revolutionary Army (TRA) which demanded a ransom of Rs.70 lakhs for his safe release. The whereabouts of Mr. Biabiak Zou is still unknown, as is the condition of his life.

Even as CSOs worked tirelessly to secure his safe release, Mr. Khumanthem Tondonba Singh s/o Kh. Kwaklei Singh of Pukhao Naharup Awang Leikai, a JCB driver of Special Contractor T. Lala Vaiphei, was abducted from a worksite near Bongbal village around 11:30 pm of May 3, 2016 by unidentified armed miscreants numbering about 6/7, who also fired indiscriminately before making good their escape under cover of darkness. A monetary demand of Rs.70 lakhs was also made for his safe release.

The repeated incidents of kidnapping for ransom are a testament to the culture of inhumanity and violence that is prevailing in the district. The State Government is urged to initiate stringent measures to check such wanton act which is a manifestation of the heights of depravity to which the society has sunk. It also amplifies the failure of the State Government to protect and safeguard the lives of its citizens who are now at the unpredictable mercy of unknown and hitherto unheard outfits who continually resort to such criminal activities to satisfy their selfish personal whims and desires at the cost of the safety and lives of hard-working and law-abiding citizens of the State.

We, therefore, urge the State Government to:
-adopt strong measures to curb criminal activities,
-secure the safe release of the abducted persons,
-deal with the situation in the best interest of the general public, and
-nab the culprits at the earliest and award befitting punishment as per the law of the land.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Yours faithfully,

B. Dongzalian Simte
President,
Simte Tribe Council

Chinlunthang Zou
President,
United Zou Organization

Dr. Nengngaihlian
President,
Tedim Chin Union

Joseph Lalrothang
President,
Hmar Inpui

Khatkhotong Baite
President,
Vaiphei Peoples' Council

L. Pumlianpau
President,
Paite Tribe Council

L.K. Tinsoi
President,
Gangte Tribe Council

Thangjang Haokip
President,
Kuki Innpi Churachandpur

Thongkholian
President,
Mate Tribe Council

T. Khaikhanhau
President,
Thangkhal People's Organization

Vanlalrinliana
President,
Mizo People Convention

Dated: Churachandpur,
The 6th May, 2016