DIMAPUR, JUNE 28 (MExN): The Assam Rifles on Tuesday said it has busted an abduction plot, which was to be carried out by Manipur based PREPAK.
The abduction plan was reportedly hatched in Dimapur and the abduction was to be executed in Lahorijan area of Karbi Anglong district, Assam. According to PRO Assam Rifles, IGAR (N), units of IGAR (N) 37 Assam Rifles and 28 Assam Rifles in a series of operations carried out between June 22-24 busted a plan for abduction of Bulk Petroleum Lorry (BPL) drivers of Assam Oil Company (AOC) from Lahorijan area on June 27, 2016.
During the operation, one ‘self styled’ sergeant major of PREPAK and four Over Ground Workers (OGW) working for the insurgent group were apprehended along with two weapons and ammunition.
The plan for abducting BPL drivers was conceived by PREPAK to extort money from AOC. Three OGWs of Dimapur area were tasked on May 2016 but they failed to execute the plan. Subsequently, two Manipuris (one self styled sergeant major and one OGW) were inducted into Dimapur in the first week of June 2016, the AR press release stated.
The five apprehended persons confirmed that they met several times to coordinate their abduction plan and had arranged chloroform from Manipur/ Myanmar and a local car (silver coloured Maruti Esteem – under repair at Chumukedima) to facilitate the abduction.
A hideout located in Tinephye-1 village was also earmarked to keep the abducted victim, the AR claimed.
The apprehended cadres/OGWs have been identified as ‘self styled’ sergeant major Romeo Khumanthem, service no- 3127, resident of Khumbi, Manipur; Lourenbam Nabakishore Singh, resident of Intham, Manipur, Mona Singh, resident of Chumukedima, Prodip Das, resident of Bokajan and Kivi Yeptho, resident of Chumukedima.
‘Self styled’ sergeant major Romeo is also suspected to be involved with one of the ghastly attacks in Chandel district of Manipur on May 21, 2016 in which six personnel of Assam Rifles were killed, the AR also informed.
The IGAR (N) reported that this is the first time that criminal presence of the Manipur based insurgent group in Dimapur & Lahorijan has been unearthed.
