HAFLONG, March 2 - The Hmar Students� Association (HSA) has expressed shock and dismay over the abduction and subsequent release on ransom of Siemthang Hmar, Headman of Muoltluong (Molong Diphucherra) village, Cachar, Assam on February 23 night at around 8 pm by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres. This was stated by Lalringsan Darngawn, secretary, Information & Publicity Hmar Students� Association, General Headquarters on Monday.
He said that the suspected NSCN (IM) cadres had arrived at Muoltluong Hmar village in a mini truck and ordered Siemthang Hmar to collect house tax from every household in the village. When Siemthang Hmar showed his reluctance to do the same, he along with Lalbieksang Hmar, who is the vice president of Hmar Youth Association (HYA) was also abducted from the village. However, Lalbieksang was subsequently released with an instruction to bring a ransom for the release of the village headman.
Villagers of Muoltluong village went all the way to remote N Hmarlusei village which falls under Dima Hasao district with a ransom money of Rs 50,000 to seek the release of their headman. After receiving the cash, the Hmar headman was released with a condition that another house tax of Rs 50,000 for the year 2020 would be paid within the next two months.
The student body is also concerned at the ineffectiveness of the 37th Assam Rifles posted at Jinam Ghat area for allowing such incident to happen. The HSA has urged the NSCN (IM) and other non-state actors in the area to desist from demanding money, extorting Hmar people and threatening peace-loving Hmars living in Cachar and Dima Hasao districts in the future. �The State govt machinery, NSCN (IM) authority and every right thinking civil society group need to deal with the matter in a befitting manner for ensuring the safety of innocent Hmar villagers living in remote areas and other Indian citizens residing in Cachar district and Dima Hasao district,� he added.
