IMPHAL, September 30: Four lads have claimed that they were rounded up on September 28 by suspected cadres of the NSCN (IM) from the Chakpikarong Auto parking and later physically assaulted.
Speaking to media persons at the Manipur Press Club, one of the four identified themselves as Moirangthem Gautam Singh, 34, son of M Ibohal Singh; Moirangthem Kailash Singh, 28, son of M Birahari Singh; Potsangbam Sanamatum Singh, 23, of Kumbi Sittapur and Konsam Nanao, 18 from Kumbi Uchan Lokmang.
According to Kailash, they had gone to Molvi Village in Chandel district to collect some money for a `marup`™.
Since the approach road from Chakpikarong to Molvi Village was in a deplorable condition, they had to hitch a ride on a Shaktiman truck, he said.
Soon after the collecting the marup amount of Rs 5000, he said they were trying to hire an auto rickshaw from Chakpikarong Bazar for Sugunu Bazar, he said.
Further according to Kailash, as they were boarding the three-wheeler, a man identifying himself as a NSCN (IM) cadre intervened and out of nowhere some 10 persons came out and rounded them and pulled them to a nearby community hall.
He said there they were physically assaulted by the persons and forced to claim themselves as members of the KYKL and informers.
When we declined to do so, we were threatened to be tortured using chilli-power, he said.
Meanwhile, the persons who claimed to be NSCN (IM) cadres locked them inside the community hall and went out, he claimed.
Kailash also said that taking the opportunity they grabbed their mobile phones and after breaking the door escaped on foot around 10pm and could reached Sugunu Bazar only around 2am.
They further alleged that the Sugnu Police ill-treated them when they wanted to make a complaint; however, a report was finally filed after repeated appeals.
He said although they had identified the auto driver as one of their assailants, the police failed to take up any action.
Meanwhile, the four have appealed to the concerned authorities and the civil organisations of the State to help them get justice.