IMPHAL, July 9: A contractor of Maphou Dam who was arrested by suspected NSCN-IM cadres along with a Maruti Gypsy and large sum of money has remained traceless for more than a month.
The abducted contractor is one Irungbam Irabanta, 38, son of (late) Kerani of Nongdam Maning Leikai and presently staying in a rented house near Gate No. 3 of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Porompat. He is married and has a son of about seven years.
Speaking to media persons today, wife of Irabanta, Sagolshem Ningol Modhubala stated that her husband works as a supplier of sand and stone for the construction of Maphou Dam. He was called by the NSCN-IM for a talk regarding the supply works.
Irabanta set out from his home along with a person close to NSCN-IM on his Maruti Gypsy on May 27 at around 9 am to meet the NSCN-IM operatives. The person who accompanied Irabanta is one MK Winner, 33, son of Ramsing of New Salem who has shifted to Harpham in Ukhrul Town, she stated.
On May 28 at 7.36 am, Irabanta sent an SMS to her from his mobile phone saying that they were having talks with Leisee Francis of NSCN-IM. Few minutes later, Winner again sent an SMS to her saying that they were waiting for the vehicle. Winner’s mobile has been switched off after that SMS, Modhubala said.
Leisee Francis with whom Irabanta had talks hails from Tousem and he is said to be the CEO of Regional Camp of NSCN.
Modhubala further stated that Winner along with his family members have absconded from Ukhrul town. She had made a complaint to Lamlai Police on June 8 regarding the case. The registration number of the Gypsy (white colour) is MN-01K 2171 and the amount of money Irabanta had taken with him is Rs. 16,000.
She mentioned that her husband’s left leg is still limping as a result of an accident he met on January 19 this year. She had searched for her husband stealthily for about a month hoping that her husband would be released safely by the NSCN, but her husband is still traceless.
Modhubala appealed to all concerned for safe release of her husband on humanitarian ground.