IMPHAL, Nov 27: Five officials of the PHE department including a driver have been kidnapped from Mayangkhang Village along NH-53 by the proscribed KCP (MC) militant under Kangpokpi police station, Senapati district this morning.
The officials were on their way to attend inauguration of the augmentation of water supply scheme at Tadubi (NLCPR) in Senapati district to be inaugurated by the PHED minister, TN Haokip.
The vehicle in which the PHED officials were travelling (Bolero MN01W-7847) was later found abandoned in between Daili and Tumnoupoki Village along the NH-39.
The vehicle carrying the officials was reportedly among the last part of the convoy of the ministerial team heading towards Tadubi. The abduction came to the knowledge of the ministerial team only after information given to the ministerial team by the abductors.
Reports further stated that before the abduction some unidentified persons stop the vehicles carrying one EE of the department namely Meino. The miscreants were asking for the EE, however the EE responded that no EE was inside the vehicle.
The PHED minister after coming to know of the incident assured that no stone will be left unturned to rescue the abducted officials.
The abducted officials were identified Huidrom Janeshwar of Pishum Oionam Leikai, an AE posted at Senapati, Keisham Rameshor of Khurai Leirikyengbam Leikai, AE of posted at Imphal East, SO posted at Senapati, K Manigopal of Uripok Haobam Deban Leikai, SO posted at Senapati, Nongmeithem Somikumar of Moirangkhom Chingamakha Leirak and the driver is identified to be one Inaocha.
In the meantime, the main inauguration function to be held at the Tadubi town hall to be inaugurated by the PHED minister was cancelled owing to low turn out of the people at the area.
The inauguration was performed by concerned minister only by unfurling the foundation stone.
TD minister DD Thaisii and Tadubi MLA K Raina, who were supposed to be the president and guest of honour of the function, also failed to turn up.
According to reliable sources, the low turnout witnessed as UNC supporters abstained from attending the function, to mark the severing of tie between the Government of Manipur and the Senapati district, a resolution adopted by the highest council of the Naga apex body.