Suspected Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) cadres abducted four highway transporters, including one assistant driver on Thursday where two drivers were released on Friday but two are still in their custody for monetary demand.
It is reported that the four transporters namely Khumumayum Subol Singh, 52, son of Kh Dhana of Andro Bazaar; Irengbam Washington Singh, 30, son of I Nongyai of Ningthoukhong ward number 4; Thangjam Pal of Khurai and Mani of Khurai Sajor Leikai who is the assistant driver were kidnapped from Khoupum Bazaar near Drivers Association counter demanding for monetary assistant.
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Of the four, two drivers, namely, Subol and Washington were released at around 2 pm on Friday. However, Thangjam Pan and Mani are still under the custody of the suspected ZUF.
Secretary general of All Manipur Road Transport Drivers’ and Motor Workers Union (AMRTDMW), Anil Maimom told IFP over the phone that by serving along the national highway, transporters are feeding their family. People should not consider the transporters as their enemy, he added.
He appealed that the two drivers be released at the earliest as they are the sole bread earners of their respective families and any misunderstanding could be solved at the negotiating table without harming innocent transporters.
Anil said some of the transport owners tried to escape from such similar incidents. He cautioned the transport owners not to remain silent in such incidents. The transporters might cease work strike along the national highway if the owners failed to take necessary steps.
