Abductions for extortion by militants rising in Manipur - India News and Travel Times Provides India-centric and other News and Features

Kidnapping for extortion by militants is increasing by the day in Manipur. The most recent case of abduction is that of Akoijam Tiken, the director Manipur Legislative Assembly secretariat. Fifty four year old Akoijam Tiken from Mantripukhri, was abducted from his house at gunpoint by four armed unidentified miscreants on December 12. Tiken was working in his kitchen garden when the miscreants abducted him. The next day kidnappers made the telephone call to his family and demanded Rs. 1 crore for his safe release. They also warned them not to alert security officials. About 100 officials and staffs of the Manipur Assembly demonstrated for Tiken’s safe release after they got wind of his kidnapping. The incident has truly saddened us. He isn’t a wealthy person who earns extra income. He is just a regular office-goer,” said a staff member at the Manipur secretariat. Recently, Laishram Dhaballo, an executive engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED), Manipur was abducted while returning home from his office. Dhaballo was released unharmed after a major protest against his abduction. Two engineers of the Manipur Power Department are yet to be released after being kidnapped by United Peoples Party of Kangleipak (UPPK) militants on November 12. In Manipur kidnapping for extortion is a very disturbing trend. Kunjubihari a local said such incidents are “simply a case of extortion by using unfair and undesirable means.” Such disruptive activities create instability and affect peace and development in the state.