Red alert sounded in Chandel

Imphal, March 22: Even though the Government is yet to order security operations for the rescue of abducted Chandel DC, Y Thamkishwor even after five days of the abduction, a red alert has been sounded in all the security posts in Chandel district including some in neighboring districts to check possible whisking away of the abducted official to Myanmar. Addl DGP AK Parashar who is holding the charge of the DGP in AA Siddiqui's absence told The Sangai Express that the rescue operations have not been taken up due to fear for the officer's life and in view of the appeal made by his family. He said a red alert has been sounded in most of the security posts to check the possible deportation of the DC. However according to intelligence reports, the officer is safe and very much inside Chandel district. To a query, he said there has been no demand for ransom from the abductors but said intelligence network has been strengthened in this regard-He denied the State police receiving any specific instructions from the State Government or the Union Home Ministry on the matter. A reliable source from Chandel said Thamkishwor was abducted by UKLF cadres for failing to pay its demand. The source said the DC could be released after the Union Home Affairs Ministry and the NSCN (IM) hold negotiation within the next few days. Officers of the Government of Minipur during a meeting held at the Secretariat today has fervently appealed for the DC's release. Urging the Government to take up measures for securing his release, the officers said it will take up the matter with the President of India and the Central IAS Association. A meeting of the district level officers and staff of DC Chandel held today at the DC office has also appealed for the release of the officer. A statement said the meeting agreed that the kidnapping has completely paralyzed the district administration. Our Chandel Correspondent adds various Naga bodies in Chandel has welcomed the statement by the Government that it will communicate with the Union Home Ministry on the abduction of the DC if need arises. They urged the State, Centre and the abductors to find a way for early release of the officer. Since the day of the kidnapping after the "brutal and merciless" killing of 11 NSCN (IM) cadres at Pallel by the IRB and arrest of an innocent canter driver, Naga public leaders in Chandel are making all out efforts for safe release of the DC. However, the public is losing patience and is likely to launch a massive agitation any time.