Timber trader suffers NSCN (IM) wrath
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 14 2008: In connection with a monetary demand of Rs 1.5 lakh, one timber trader from Manipur was thrashed severely by some armed persons who identified themselves as cadres of the NSCN (IM) at Dimapur.

Incidentally, the NSCN (IM) is under a ceasefire pact with the Government of India.

After assaulting Chongtham Sanjoy alias Dada (40) s/o late Kamdevo of Singjamei Chingamakha Chongtham Leikai in a brutal manner, NSCN(IM) set their victim free at Dimapur yesterday.

Sanjoy has been admitted at RIMS.

Sanjoy being treated at RIMS

Along with Sanjoy, Naorem Pakpi (38) of Chingamakha Irom Leikai and Ringphami (38) of Maileng village, Ukhrul were abducted by the unidentified persons from a hotel at Dimapur in the morning of November 8 .

The trio went to Dimapur in connection with timber trade after a consignment of timber has been supplied there.

The timbers belonged to Ringphami, informed family members of Sanjoy.

On November 9, Ringphami and Pakpi were set free and they arrived at Imphal on the same day.

But Sanjoy was held back.

About 30 minutes after Pakpi had informed Sanjoy's wife Bijenti (40) about Sanjoy's abduction, there was a telephone call from Sanjoy.

But before any conversation was started, the unidentified persons apparently snatched the phone and threatened the family members that they will kill Sanjoy in case they were not given Rs 1.5 lakh before 5 pm of November 10.On the request of Sanjoy's family, the deadline was extended for some more time.

Later after arriving at an understanding, the family members collected Rs one lakh and gave it to the NSCN (IM) cadres.

Ringphami contributed Rs 20,000 while Sanjoy's family paid Rs 80,000.The amount was handed over at a place in Ukhrul.

Even as the two sides have already arrived at an understanding and the demanded amount paid, Sanjoy was released only after assaulting him physically in third degree, decried the family members.

When media persons tried to talk with the victim, the family members disclosed that Sanjoy could not speak at the moment as he was subjected to severe physical and mental torture.

They strongly condemned the brutal action of the NSCN (IM) cadres just for the sake of some money.