Churachandpur (Manipur), Sep.30 (ANI): Several militant groups operating in Manipur are responsible for setting off blasts, kidnapping for ransom, killings and extortion. This has largely affected normal life in the state.
Sh Gouramani Sinha was abducted for ransom on September 22 while on duty at the Loktak Pump house of the National Hydropower Corporation by cadres of Zeliangrong United Front. He was kept a prisoner near Chaiba village in the state's Churachandpur district.
Security forces rescued Gouramani on September 24 in a joint operation during which they also arrested one of the abductors. The latter was identified as Poulani Gangmei from Tamenglong district, and is a cadre of Zeliangrong United Front.
It was on 22nd September when two unknown person during night abducted me. Later police came and rescued me," said Gouramani Sinha.
"On the evening of 23rd September, we are able to point out the area where the abductors kept him. After we rescued the employee, we came to know that Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) kidnapped him," said Bishnupur Police official Radheshyam Singh.
"I joined this (ZUF) group just a month ago. I have no idea, in fact I do not even know why we were doing it, but the only reason we did it was that our leader Kennedy Sir ordered us to do this. So we were just following his orders," added Poulani Gangmei, one of the kidnappers.
The Kangleipak Communist Party, another banned insurgent outfit operating in Manipur, called for a 12-hour-long shutdown on September 21.
The strike completely paralyzed life in the state. Shops, schools, offices, universities and other institutions of importance were forcibly shut down. People from all walks of life were affected. The streets were empty and very few vehicles were on the roads.
"There are problems in getting transport to return back home. Even transportation of basic commodities has been severely hit. And people, who live from hand to mouth, have been also affected. We have been stuck since yesterday as there are no hotels, no food and the state has been shut down," said Mangoljao Singh, a resident.
"During the shutdown, we have lost fruits and vegetables as they are meant for daily consumption and cannot be kept for longer period as they get spoilt. And all the emergency services in the state have been severely hit," said Ima Market woman vendor Priyare Devi.
"If we don't work, we will not earn and that make us starve and we will be unable to support our children's education," said Achou Singh, a rickshaw driver.
People want an end to militant activities and want to lead a normal life. (ANI)
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