IMPHAL, Nov 19 - Five kidnapped labourers, who were engaged by Simplex Infrastructures Ltd, have been reportedly freed by suspected militant outfit United Tribal Liberation Army (UTLA).
The labourers were kidnapped by suspected UTLA militants for ransom from near Makru bridge along Imphal-Jiribam road on November 4. According to a delayed report, the five labourers were released by the armed kidnappers somewhere between Jiribam and Tamenglong district in the afternoon of November 13.
On what condition the militants freed them could not be confirmed. Militants frequently kidnap labourers and transporters on highways connecting the State for ransom.
Meanwhile, nearly 200 goods-laden Imphal-bound trucks have remained stranded in Leingangpokpi area along Imphal-Jiribam road due to the indefinite economic blockade imposed by Jiribam District Demand Committee (JDDC) since Tuesday. Over 50 loaded trucks are also stranded in Jiribam.
JDDC has launched the strike to push its demand for conversion of Jiribam into a full-fledged revenue district.
