Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) express dismay at abduction of Muoltluong headman

A Correspondent

Haflong: The Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) has expressed shock and dismay at the abduction and subsequent release on ransom of Siemthang Hmar, headman of Muoltluong (Molong Diphucherra) village, Cachar on February 23 at around 8:00 pm by suspected NSCN (IM) cadres, stated Lalringsan Darngawn, secretary, Information and Publicity, Hmar Students’Association, General Headquarters on Monday.

He said the suspected NSCN (IM) cadres had arrived at Muoltluong Hmar village in a mini truck and ordered Siemthang Hmar to collect house tax from every household in the village. When Siemthang Hmar stated his reluctance, he along with Lalbieksang Hmar, who is the vice-president of Hmar Youth Association (HYA) of the village, was also abducted from the village. However, Lalbieksang was subsequently released with an instruction to bring a ransom for the release of the village headman.

Villagers of Muoltluong village went all the way to remote N. Hmarlusei village which falls under Dima Hasao district in Assam with ransom money of Rs 50,000 to seek the release of their headman. Having received the money, the Hmar headman was released with a condition that another house tax of Rs 50,000 for a year would be paid within the next two months.

The Hmar Students’ Association is also concerned at the ineffectiveness of the 37th Assam Rifles posted at Jinam Ghat area for letting off such an incident under their close watch.

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