Thamkishore says he was not ill-treated during captivity

Imphal, April 01: After 12 days of captivity in the hands of UGs, District Commissioner of Chandel, Yambem Thamkishore was finally released March 29 last. He was abducted near the PWD office Chandel, on March 18 last by suspected cadres of UKLF and NSCN(IM). According to reliable sources in New Delhi, the DC was released without the government having to concede to the demand for the return of recovered weapons from the NSCN(IM) men killed by the IRB on March 16 night. Talking to the IFP this afternoon, he expressed his gratitude to the people from all sections of the society, NGOs, Maira Paibis, students' organizations, clubs and particularly the people of Chandel and the church for their relentless effort for his release. Answering a query on his treatment by his captors, he stated that it was quite satisfactory with no harassment or torture of any kind either mentally or physically. He also said that he was provided with local dailies and magazines and interestingly, with medicines for his diabetes. Apart from the feeling of being snatched away from his family and his duty, nothing else bothered him, he said. He also stated that he left everything to the will of God. To a query as to the motive of his capture and the conditions of his release, he declined to comment stating that the incidents happened so suddenly, right from March 18 when he was overpowered by the UGs along with his escorts. He was equally amazed when he was set free, he said. Thamkishore also stated that no personal ransom demand of any kind was made by the UGs to his family. Narrating his unusual experience, he kept on thanking everyone who stood by him during his ordeal and stated that the incident restored his faith in humanity. The Chandel DC was released March 29 last along with the Maruti Gypsy he was taken captive with. Meanwhile the Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of the AMTUC and AMGEO expressed gratitude for releasing the Chandel DC without any preconditions.