Manipur to seek Centre's help in securing official's release

Imphal, March 25: Faced with no other option the State Government has decided to approach the Centre to secure the release of Chandel DC Y Thamkishore. This was decided during a Cabinet meeting held this evening, disclosed a highly placed source. The Cabinet meeting was held from 3.30 pm and stretched on till 6.30 pm and was presided by the Chief Minister. The Chief Minister recalled the various talks he had with the Union Home Ministry ever since the IAS officer was abducted by gunmen on March 18. However as law and order is a State subject the Centre had entrusted the entire responsibility to the State Government, the Chief Minister informed his Cabinet colleagues and invited suggestions from them. Some senior Cabinet Minister expressed the view that as the NSCN (IM) is holding talks with the Centre, New Delhi ought to step in and exert due pressure to secure the release of the DC, revealed the source. A number of Cabinet Ministers at the meeting also expressed their strong reservation over the demands raised by the NSCN (IM) that the arms seized by the IRB personnel be handed over to them. This will emit a wrong signal and hurt the moral of the security personnel, they opined. They expressed that buckling under the pressure of the underground outfit will give the impression that the cease fire between the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India has been enforced in Manipur. This can, give rise to tension, expressed some of the Cabinet Ministers, further disclosed the source. The meeting also discussed the probability of launching a rescue operation as well as the reservations expressed by the family members of the officer against such a move as it may expose Thamkishore to danger. No other agenda came up for discussion during the meeting today. Our Chandel Correspondent reports: A meeting of public leaders was held at Chandel today in connection with the abduction of the DC, Y Thamkishore. The meeting after discussing the situation arising out of the abduction decided to urge the Government to bring an amicable solution to the impasse and secure the safe release of the DC. It was also resolved to appeal to the abductors to release the officer safely. It was also resolved that the people of Chandel will launch an intensified agitation if no positive response is received from the abductors. The meeting also condemned the killing of the 11 NSCN (IM) men by IRB personnel at Pallel on March 16.