Imphal, September 14, 2010: Abducted MO in-charge of Mekola Primary Health Centre, Dr RK Joymati and staff nurse Wahengbam Kavita Devi, who were abducted by armed cadres KCP-MTF (City Meitei) have been rescued by a combined security team.

The doctor and the nurse were rescued by a combined team of Bishnupur District Police commandos, Imphal West commandos, 39 Assam Rifles and 12 Maratha Light Infantry during an operation at about 11 am today.

Bishnupur Addl SP (Ops) Isaac Shah who orchestrated the search operation said that Dr Joymati and Kavita were rescued from a hut located on a lake to the west of Shantipur village under Wangoi police station.

The lake located between Khutlangkhong and Naoremkhong is part of Loktak Lake and it is thickly covered with bushes.

Bishnupur police commandos launched the rescue operation at about 1 am this morning starting from Ishok and Kabowakching areas of Nambol.

Soon, Imphal West commandos, 39 Assam Rifles and 12 Maratha Light Infantry joined the operation and finally the joint team succeeded in rescuing the abducted doctor and the nurse, Isaac Shah said.

Another hut was also discovered near the first one where clear signs of being a temporary shelter of armed cadres were observed.

Two empty magazines of pistol and clothes were recovered from the second hut.

There was neither any shoot-out nor arrest in the course of the rescue operation as the armed abductors fled away.

However, one Honda Activa scooter and a mobile phone belonging to Kavita confiscated by the armed cadres could not be recovered.

Nevertheless, the Addl SP assured that the Honda Activa would be recovered very soon.

Dr Joymati (49) w/o Sinam Shantikumar of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and Wahengbam Kavita (27) w/o Shanta of Bamdiar were abducted by two motorcycle borne youths after they were called out from their PHC last afternoon saying that an accident took place at Leimapokpam.

Both the doctor and the staff nurse have been safely escorted to their respective homes by police.

Meanwhile, the Joint Committee of Medical Department Employees' Association, Family Welfare Department Employees' Association and the Manipur Health Services Officers' Association have decried the harassment and threats to Dr Joymati and staff nurse Kavita.

While appealing to all concerned not to repeat such activities in future, the joint committee also acknowledged the help extended by security forces.

It also informed that a joint meeting of the employees of Health Department and Family Welfare Department would be held at 11 am tomorrow at JN Hospital to deliberate on the frequent threats and difficulties being encountered by the employees.

On the other hand, a protest demonstration was staged today at Mekola against the abduction during which all shops remained closed and transport service suspended.

The Mekola PHC Development Committee has also appealed to all concerned to avert such acts in future.

As the abducted doctor and the nurse have been rescued, JN Hospital/JNIMS Superintendent K Gaithaorung has directed all the staff of the hospital/institution to resume their duties as usual with immediate effect.

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