Deadline set on Irabanta disappearance

IMPHAL, July 30: Condemning the government as non-responsive to the Irungbam Irabanta missing case, the JAC formed in connection with the abduction of Irabanta allegedly by NSCN (IM) has set a five day deadline for the government to act up or face severe demonstrations and agitations from the JAC and other civil bodies of the state.

It may be mentioned that a Maphou Dam contractor Irungbam Irabanta Meitei, 38 son of (L) I Kerani Meitei of Nongdam Maning Leikai, Lamlai PS has remained traceless since May 27 after being allegedly called by NSCN (IM) operatives for talks.

He had set out from his home on his Maruti Gypsy accompanied by one MK Winner of New Salem.

It may be mentioned that the JAC has been blaming NSCN (IM)’s hand in the case and demanding from the government to find out the truth.

Meanwhile, the JAC today took out a rally to submit a memorandum announcing its recent decision to the state Chief Minister; however, the rally was cut short by a team of the Imphal East police at Sanjenthong in front of the Veterinary office.

A few representatives of the JAC were later taken along by the police team to submit the memorandum to the Chief Minister.

Meanwhile, speaking to media persons on the sidelines of the rally the JAC co-convenor RK Shanti Kumar lamented the government’s stoic silence on the case.

He reiterated that the issue had been discussed at the recent session of the state Assembly; however, the government is yet to take any action on the issue.

He lamented the Centre has also been already intimated on the issue with a memorandum.

Meanwhile, the memorandum lamented that both the state and central governments have maintained a stoic silence on the issue except for a brief discussion at the state Assembly inspite of several reminders and intimations from the JAC and family members.

It has also said that a public meeting on July 26 had unanimously decided that in order to strengthen the JAC more, leaders of neighbouring villages and other communities will be incorporated into the JAC.

Other resolutions of the said meeting also include demands for arrest of Winner, Francis and Leisi all believed to be involved in the missing case and to produce them before the general public.

The memorandum further set a five days deadline and warned of stern agitations from the JAC and other civil society organizations in case the government fails to meet the JAC’s demand

Meanwhile, the National identity Protection Committee, NIPCO has urged the NSCN (IM) to release Irabanta if the militant outfit has the missing person in its custody.