Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh briefing media persons on the successful police operation for the rescue of three abducted workers, in Imphal on Friday. – Photo: Correspondent
Newmai news
IMPHAL, Feb 12: Manipur Police commandos today rescued three workers kidnapped by militants after a fierce gun battle in Imphal East district, the police said. Cadres of the Kuki National Liberation Army (KNLA) are suspected to have been behind the abduction.
The workers were rescued unharmed from a hill range between Boljang and New Boljang villages under the Thoubal Dam Police Station after the encounter that lasted nearly two hours.
There was no report of casualty on either side in the exchange of fire between the police and the abductors. Quoting the rescued labourers, the police said that they were kidnapped from the makeshift camp where they were staying, for ransom.
One AK-56 assault rifle was recovered at the end of the rescue operation, the police said.
The three rescued workers are Yumnam Sushilkumar alias Nanao (30), Laishram Debchandra Singh (50) and Ngangbam Gunadhar (55). They have been engaged in the construction of a bridge at Laikhong village near Nongpok Keithelmanbi under the PMGSY scheme.
Police said they were kidnapped by the suspected KNLA militants on February 7. The police commandos launched a rescue operation after a complaint was lodged at the Thoubal Dam Police Station yesterday.
Imphal Correspondent adds: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh rewarded Rs 10 lakh to the Imphal East Police for rescuing three workers from the clutches of suspected militants on Friday.
A ceremony in this regard was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat here this evening. Manipur DGP LM Khaute, IGPs, the SP of Imphal East district and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
Biren Singh also announced that commendation certificates would be given to all the police personnel and officers who took part in the day’s operation.
