JCO abducted from Manipur rescued

A serving Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) of Indian Army, who was allegedly abducted by the insurgents in violence-hit Manipur on Friday morning, has been rescued by the security forces in the evening.

Naib Subedar Konsam Kheda Singh, the JCO of the Signal regiment, is a resident of Charangpat Mamang Leikai in Thoubal district of the North Eastern state. He was kidnapped from his residence, while on leave, in a vehicle by a group of armed rebels, at around 9 am.

Kohima defence ministry spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amit Shukla said that the Army columns launched a coordinated joint search operation with the security agencies to rescue the JCO.

He added, “The synergized efforts of the security forces resulted in the JCO being safely rescued at 6.30 pm. The JCO is currently at Waikhong Police Station (near Kakching) in Thoubal district. Manipur Police is investigating the incident.”

Exactly 10 days ago, Manipur was rocked by discontent from police forces after an additional superintendent of police was abducted and his house in Imphal by assailants identified as armed members of the Arambai Tenggol on February 27.

An inspector was also abducted alongside him. Later, both the police officers were rescued, but they sustained injuries and were hospitalised. The incident had prompted the administrations of various valley districts to requisition Central paramilitary forces and the Army to assist the police.