Two negotiators taken hostage by an UG group
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 26 2009: An underground armed group, suspected to be a faction of KCP(MC) has allegedly taken hostage two managers of Airtel Clique Communication, who had gone to negotiate with the group over its demand for Rs 2 crore made against the Infratel Tower Management Company, which is engaged in operation of erecting towers for Airtel mobile service.

The two managers allegedly in the custody of the UG group are Khangembam Joychandra (45) of Singjamei Bheigyapati Leikai and Thokchom Okendro (32) of Khabam Lamkhai.

According to family sources, the two men had left their homes for their office located at Wahengbam Leikai around 8.30 am of December 17 last.

Meira Paibis staging sit-in-protest

On their failure to return home the night, the family members went to the office the next day to enquire about their whereabouts.

Sales Manager, Nk Dorendro, Distributor Akham Bipin and Territory Manager RK Bipin reportedly informed the family members that they had sent Joychandra and Okendro to negotiate with the particular outfit over the demand for money.

Even after waiting for two days, the two missing men had not returned home.

The family members again went to the office of the Airtel Clique Communication, but found that the three officials, Dorendro, A Bipin and RK Bipin were not at the office.

When the family members asked Dorendro on phone on December 22 about the two men, he reportedly informed them that they would be released on December 24.But they were not released on that day too.

Saying that the Infratel Tower Management Company should be held responsibility for abduction of the two persons, their families, Meira Paibi organisations of Singjamei Bheigyapati Leikai and Khabam Lamkhai staged sit-in-protest at Singjamei Thongkhong Mamang today.

Placards with slogans like "Release Joychandra and Oken immediately," "Airtel we condemn your selfish motive," "Dont' bargain human soul with money," "Don't make innocent persons sacrificial lamb between two sides," etc.

were held by the protesters.

Unless the two persons are released safely before January 5, various intensive form of agitations including closure of Airtel mobile service will be launched, the protesters warned.