The Hindu : National : Taking to the streets to checkmate kidnappers

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jan 04, 2008
ePaper

National

National

Taking to the streets to checkmate kidnappers

Iboyaima Laithangbam

IMPHAL: With the kidnapping of officials and traders for ransom on the rise in Manipur, the people have found a new way to deal with the menace themselves — putting pressure on the abductors by taking to the streets. And they are happy that this method is paying dividends.

Police clueless

It may be recalled that the police were clueless to the kidnapping of Salam Indrajit, a Section Officer in the Education Department (Schools), from his office on December 15. But, he was released later, thanks to the agitations by the people. The women had staged a sit-in and blocked the national highway. The people suspended construction works on the national highway from Moirangkhom to Singjamei. These pressure tactics worked and led to the official’s release.

Militants have been kidnapping traders, officials and the rich for huge ransom. Even journalists mistaken for traders had been kidnapped.

In fact, officials admit that kidnapping has become an industry.

In view of the kidnappings, most of the officials, principals, teachers are provided armed security guards.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National