IMPHAL, September 30: Four lads have claimed that they were rounded up on September 28 by suspected cadres of the NSCN (IM) from the Chakpikarong Auto parking and later physically assaulted.<\/p>\n
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, one of the four identified themselves as Moirangthem Gautam Singh, 34, son of M Ibohal Singh; Moirangthem Kailash Singh, 28, son of M Birahari Singh; Potsangbam Sanamatum Singh, 23, of Kumbi Sittapur and Konsam Nanao, 18 from Kumbi Uchan Lokmang.<\/p>\n
According to Kailash, they had gone to Molvi Village in Chandel district to collect some money for a `marup`\u2122.<\/p>\n
Since the approach road from Chakpikarong to Molvi Village was in a deplorable condition, they had to hitch a ride on a Shaktiman truck, he said.<\/p>\n
Soon after the collecting the marup amount of Rs 5000, he said they were trying to hire an auto rickshaw from Chakpikarong Bazar for Sugunu Bazar, he said.<\/p>\n
Further according to Kailash, as they were boarding the three-wheeler, a man identifying himself as a NSCN (IM) cadre intervened and out of nowhere some 10 persons came out and rounded them and pulled them to a nearby community hall.<\/p>\n
He said there they were physically assaulted by the persons and forced to claim themselves as members of the KYKL and informers.<\/p>\n
When we declined to do so, we were threatened to be tortured using chilli-power, he said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the persons who claimed to be NSCN (IM) cadres locked them inside the community hall and went out, he claimed.<\/p>\n
Kailash also said that taking the opportunity they grabbed their mobile phones and after breaking the door escaped on foot around 10pm and could reached Sugunu Bazar only around 2am.<\/p>\n
They further alleged that the Sugnu Police ill-treated them when they wanted to make a complaint; however, a report was finally filed after repeated appeals.<\/p>\n
He said although they had identified the auto driver as one of their assailants, the police failed to take up any action.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the four have appealed to the concerned authorities and the civil organisations of the State to help them get justice.<\/p>\n\n