Approach the civil bodies
The kidnapping of a top ranking district officer by armed militants in Chandel district has put to test the worth of the newly installed Secular Progressive Front Ministry led by Okram Ibobi Singh of the Congress (I). Yambem Thamkishore Singh, Deputy Commissioner of Chandel
was abducted by armed persons while he was on his way to his place of posting on March 18.
Earlier reports suggested that the kidnapping was the handiwork of the United Kuki Liberation Front (UKLF), which is believed to have close links with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM). It was also rumored that a huge sum of money was demanded as ransom for safe release of the senior official. Now the NSCN (IM), which is holding peace talks with the Union Government has admitted that Thamkishore is in its custody and the group further demanded that all the weapons seized by the troops of the Indian Reserve Battalion after killing 11 NSCN (IM) cadres moving in a truck, a few days before the kidnapping incident be returned for safe release of the deputy commissioner.
The NSCN (IM) has been insisting that the eleven cadres were "brutally shot dead" after
being overpowered by the IRB troops. There are also reports of the killing in the national media. One such report said the weapons were "stolen” by the IRB troops. Surprisingly, the State Home Department seems to have decided not to react to the charges that the militants were killed in "cold blood" after they had surrendered their weapons. Given the lukewarm response given by the Ibobi Government over the kidnapping incident the deafening silence by the home department is not surprising.
A search and rescue operation is yet to be launched. Instead the Ibobi Cabinet has decided to seek the help of the center in securing the safe release of the abducted official, maintaining that the militant group is now holding talks with the center.
The response given by the Union Home Ministry to the SOS from the Ibobi Goverment also
seems to be lukewarm. But the development after the kidnapping incident is disturbing and unless it is handled tactfully it might have unwanted repercussions. The NSCN (IM) might have reasons to be outraged by the killing of its eleven cares by the troops of the IRB, but kidnapping an official to use him as a bargaining chip for the weapons seized by the security forces is not fair play.
On its part the State Government should not leave any stone unturned in its effort to secure freedom of the Deputy Commissioner. While seeking help from the Center Ibobi can also go to the civil bodies and seek their help. Local bodies in Chandel are already exploring ways and means to secure the release of the officials. The Government can join hands with these bodies. An honest attempt should be made by all and nothing should be done to put the life of the innocent official at risk.
(Courtesy: The Sangai Express)
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