TURA, Aug 23 - A 66-year-old villager of the West Garo Hills, Phalgun Arengh, who was kidnapped from near the international border along Bangladesh by Bangladeshi criminals and who later escaped from their clutches, has been stuck in the neighbouring country for over three months now.
The Achik Indigenous Justice Initiative Forum (AIJIF), which visited the elderly man�s family recently, has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi�s help in getting Arengh back in India.
Arengh, a resident of Hatimara village, Purakhasia, under the Dalu PS in West Garo Hills, was abducted from his residence and taken to Bangladesh on May 24 this year. An FIR was later lodged by his wife, Ponji K Sangma, at the Purakhasia Outpost.
However, Arengh managed to escape from his captors on June 2 and reached a place called Christianpara in Bangladesh.
�He was helped by villagers of Christianpara and handed over to Bangladesh Police in a very poor physical condition. He is presently under the custody of the Sribordi Police Station. We want to bring to your notice that an innocent man, an Indian citizen, was victimized by criminals from Bangladesh and is still facing immense hardship and pain for the past three months,� said Alex K Sangma, AIJIF director, in his representation to the Prime Minister.
It becomes a responsibility of the Indian Government to intervene in the matter and bring him (Arengh) back to India through diplomatic channels by conveying the matter to Bangladesh as early as possible,� added Chenang G Momin, coordinator of AIJIF.
The NGO also expressed concern over the security scenario along the Indo-Bangladesh border. Bangladeshi miscreants easily cross the border after kidnapping Indian citizens despite the deployment of the BSF to guard the international border.
�It is imperative on the part of the Government of India to take cognizance of the matter and take necessary initiatives in plugging these loopholes and keeping the morale of the Indian citizens along the international border high,� added Chenang.
Meanwhile, confirming the presence of Arengh in Bangladesh territory, West Garo Hills SP Dr MGR Kumar stated that since the matter was of an international nature, he would consult with the BSF and the Bangladesh Rifles as well as the IG of the Special Branch. �We hope to arrive at a solution soon,� said Dr Kumar.
