Imphal, May 11: Following intense threat and intimidations allegedly from the NSCN (IM), the Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Pankaj Pal was escorted to Imphal under heavy security from Ukhrul today. Confirming this, a top ranking police official informed The Sangai Express that a police team comprising of 12 commando teams and IRB personnel, led by the DIG Range I, M Karnajit and Additional SP of Imphal East, Th Radheyshyam escorted the DC and his family from Ukhrul to Imphal today. Giving details, the police officer said that the outfit issued threats and even summoned the DC following a tussle over awarding a contract work at Kamjong in Ukhrul district. The police officer said that a Kilonser of the NSCN (IM) had demanded that the contract (repairing) work of the Community Health Centre at Kamjong in Ukhrul district, be awarded to one of his men.

However the DC acted otherwise and awarded the contract work to the younger brother of an NSCN (IM) leader who passed away recently.

Incensed with the action of the DC, the outfit started threatening the IAS officer and summoned him, said the police officer. The estimated cost of the contract work is about Rs 16 lakhs, said the police officer.

Apprehensive over his personal safety, the DC reported the matter to Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh and additional security was immediately provided from last evening. The MR security personnel posted at the official quarters of the DC were replaced by IRB men from yesterday evening, said a source from Ukhrul.

However the NSCN (IM) has refuted the story. On being contacted by The Sangai Express, senior leader of the outfit, RH Raising said that no such threat or intimidations were served on the DC. The report that the officer was summoned by the NSCN (IM) is also fabricated, claimed the senior leader of the NSCN (IM).

Efforts to contact the DC proved futile.

The SP of Ukhrul did not entertain the calls made to his office to get his side of the story. At present the DC and his family have been provided shelter at their quarters at Sanjenthong.

Though the NSCN (IM) had refuted the story, Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh has reportedly taken a serious view of the incident. Talking to The Sangai Express, awell placed source said that the matter has been highlighted to the Union Home Ministry by the Chief Secretary. Government Interlocutor in the peace process, P Padmanabhaiah has also been informed of the incident, added the source.

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