Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28 2009:
In denunciation of the abduction of two truck drivers family members along with members of the North Valley Stone Crusher owners' Welfare Association today staged sit-in-protest at Pheidinga during which appeals were made to the banned outfit KCP-MC (Lamyanba Khuman group) for safe and early release of the captives.
Engaged in ferrying stone chips/boulders, truck operators Konsam Somen and Huirem Bishorjit were taken hostage on June 24 morning while they were on their way for their daily chores in sekmai river.
Some armed persons identifying themselves as activists of the armed outfit had reportedly abducted the two from near their worksite in connection with the UG group's alleged monetary demand.
Peace appeals and urging UG groups to refrain from targeting the driver community echoed at the protest venue where banners and placards were also put on display denouncing abduction for ransom and ceaseless gun culture in the society.
The protestors also expressed strong resentment against members of armed outfits frequently targeting the working class.
Association members disclosed to mediapersons that the KCP-MC (Lamyanba Khuman) had been insisting that each of the stone crushing factory/firm registered under the body pay Rs 30,000 each.