JIRIBAM, December 14: The survey engineer and a supplier involved in the construction of the Imphal-Jiribam rail line who were reportedly kidnapped by armed cadres of a suspected hills based militant group on the night of December 8 around 8 have both been released late last night.
Survey engineer of the Coastal Project Private Limited Sandip Vera and supplier Shiv Singh Rana were reportedly kidnapped from Tunnel no 2 Kulbung, Tousem sub-division of Tamenglong district in connection with a suspected monetary demand.
It may be mentioned that the two were kidnapped while returning from Thingtubung by around five tribal dialect speaking armed militants.
Meanwhile, AGM of the Coastal Project Private Limited RK Rana told media persons that they would not be able to continue with the project if such harassment of their staff continues.
Stating that such harassment has continued even though security personnel are stationed at their worksite, he appealed for further strengthening of the security cover so that they may continue with their work without undue harassment.
Survey engineer Sandip Vera also said that he was tortured by his abductors, although he did not explained why he was abducted.