Abducted medical officer in Manipur rescued, five held: Mobile internet suspension extended for two days

PTI, IMPHAL, NOVEMBER 27: A medical officer, who was abducted recently in Manipur, was rescued, and five people, including a member of a banned outfit, were arrested in this connection, police said on Tuesday.

Dr. Nabakeshore was abducted on November 22 from the Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai area, and the kidnappers later demanded a ransom, a police statement said.

"Acting swiftly, an operation by police led to the safe rescue of the victim from a farmhouse in Lamdeng under the Lamshang Police Station area on Sunday in Imphal West district," it said. Four individuals, including a member of the banned Kangleipak Communist Party, were arrested, the statement said. Arms and ammunition were also recovered from their possession.

The Manipur government on Wednesday extended the suspension of mobile internet services for two more days in nine districts until November 29, an order by the home department said.

"The state government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation, has decided to continue the suspension of mobile internet and mobile data services, including VSATs and VPN, in the territorial jurisdiction of Imphal West, Imphal East, Kakching, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Pherzawl, and Jiribam of Manipur for another two days, in public interest," the order said.

After violence escalated in the northeastern state on November 16, the administration suspended internet services initially for two days to prevent anti-social elements from spreading content that might create law and order problems. The suspension has been extended several times since then. The state government had conditionally lifted the suspension on broadband services (ILL and FTTH) on Tuesday, considering the hardships faced by common people, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other offices.