The state and central forces have beefed up security in the northeastern states and the borders with Myanmar and Bangladesh ahead of the visit of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month. However some militants, including those who had joined the national mainstream are reported to be indulging in illegal activities after signing ceasefire.
The family members of a kidnapped truck driver, Inao Laishram of Khonghampat in Imphal west district and the owner of the truck have started getting telephone calls from some persons who identified themselves as members of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) – a signatory to ceasefire pact -- to pay a ransom of Rs 15 lakh for releasing the driver. Family sources said that there is a veiled threat if the ransom is not paid. This is not taken lightly since every year some drivers from Manipur plying along NH 102 that passes through Nagaland are kidnapped or just killed with impunity. So far the miscreants have not been booked.
Reports said that the truck was bringing iron rods from Guwahati to Imphal when it was intercepted by the armed NSCN(K) militants at Gaspani in Nagaland. The truck with the cargo was abandoned and police
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recovered it later. The owner, Deepak, from Guwahati is yet to claim the truck.
Some days ago drivers of two trucks which were bringing construction materials from Guwahati to Imphal were abducted in Nagaland and were detained by some suspected NSCN(K) members for over 10 days demanding "godown tax" from the owners.
Despite strong protests from the Manipur government, the centre has been giving a kid glove treatment to the extortionists fearing that the peace applecart would be upset.
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