DIMAPUR, April 2 — The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland has also joined the bandwagon of several of those organizations pleading the early and safe release of the German national from the clutches of its abductors in Manipur. While condemning the abduction of a German social worker, Heinrich Wolfgang, working for financial management service foundation as peace trainer in Manipur by a Kuki armed group the NSCN-IM appealed to the abductors for his safe and unconditional release in the best interest of peace and justice for all at the earliest.
The German national was abducted on March 23 by the Kuki group in Manipur and demanded a huge amount that started with a figure of Rs 1 crore initially as ransom to release the abducted person. Police sources from Imphal said the group had on in many occasions abducted several people and released them only after collecting handsome amount as ransom.
The NSCN-IM, whose senior-most leadership not only operates from abroad but due to their long stay outside the country has managed to develop good contacts with several non-governmental organizations and others, in a statement said, it was quite unfortunate to see some forces restraining the foreign humanitarian aid workers from carrying out their humanitarian mission at a time when such workers should have been welcomed with an open arm and accorded highest possible hospitality so as to help uplift the downtrodden of this most neglected area.
The statement added, “When we see a group or community working against the interests of another group or common people there is always the possibility of driving a wedge between these groups resulting in the vitiation of the otherwise improving relations prevailing between them.”
It would be in the interest of all groups and communities not to indulge in any activity that would obstruct the humanitarian activities of any foreign or local social worker unless they are not working against our ‘national’ interests, it said.“It is quite unfortunate to see the arrogant behavior of the kidnappers’ (unwillingness) to release the innocent German national despite all the prayers made from all quarters for his speedy and safe release.”
The outfit further maintained, there was a hue and cry all over Manipur following the abduction as people are apprehensive of the consequent detrimental impact that would befall on the very few foreign sponsored NGO projects being taken up in the remotest part of the region and also because the Manipur government neither in the past nor in near future is in a position to fund such projects.