The BJP Ukhrul Unit staged a sit-in protest Wednesday morning against the kidnapping of former Manipur minister, Khasim Ruivah. By evening, Ruivah was released. (NNN Photo)
Ruivah was abducted by armed cadres on Tuesday
Newmai News Network
Imphal | April 2
Newmai News Network
Imphal | April 2
Abducted former Manipur minister Khasim Ruivah was released around 8:15pm today. He is said to have been kidnapped by suspected hill based armed cadres Tuesday.
Reports said Khasim Ruivah was released by his abductors around 8:15pm, Wednesday, in Ukhrul district but it could not be ascertained why he was kidnapped, or released. Minutes after his release, Ruivah’s family members took custody of the former minister. Media persons could not reach Ruivah.
Earlier in the day, the BJP’s Ukhrul unit accused the Wung Tangkhul Region (WTR) of the Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim for the act. A sit-in protest against the kidnapping of the former minister was held today in front of BJP’s Ukhrul office. The protestors demanded the immediate release of Ruivah.
According to sources, Khasim Ruivah was asked to come to a place in Ukhrul by certain persons. When the former minister obliged, the suspected armed cadres whisked him away to an “unknown destination” around 10:30am on Tuesday.
Khasim Ruivah is said to have joined the BJP sometime back and was reportedly campaigning fervently for the BJP candidate (Prof. Gangmumei Kamei) standing for the Outer Manipur seat.
It may be mentioned that Khasim Ruivah was education minister of Manipur during the Nipamacha-led government. He was elected from a Federal Party of Manipur ticket from Chingai assembly seat. Again, in 2007 assembly election, Ruivah was elected as an Independent candidate backed by the United Naga Council from Chingai assembly constituency of Ukhrul district.
TNL express appreciation
Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) expressed its sincere appreciation for the release of Khasim Ruivah. Prior to his release, the TNL had organized a candle light vigil in Ukhrul town this evening appealing for the release of the abducted former minister. “We had appealed to the abductors in this evening’s public candle rally in the town for the release of the former minister to promote the peace conducting of the Lok Sabha polls,” stated TNL president Artax Shimray.
