The Hindu : German kidnapped for interrogation: KLA

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 30, 2003

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German kidnapped for interrogation: KLA

By Our Correspondent

IMPHAL MARCH 29. The Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) militants have clarified that they had kidnapped the German national, Heinrich Wolfgang, on March 23 for interrogation and not for ransom. This was disclosed to some reporters late last night by Malsawm Vaiphei, the "director" of Publicity and Information, KLA.

Talking to reporters somewhere in Imphal east district, Mr. Vaiphei said that by interrogating him it had come to light that the funding agency of Mr. Wolfgang, the Green Cross, had not been releasing any funds for the areas dominated by the Kuki tribals nor was there any future plan to do so.

He denied that the KLA had demanded Rs.1 crore as ransom. Some NGOs had planted this story in the media to tarnish its image. Now, these NGOs would be required to pay this amount. Even after payment, inquiries into their functioning would continue.

To a question, Mr. Vaiphei said the hostage was well looked after and fed and that he was allowed to talk to one of the negotiators over the wireless set. The KLA is continuing to hold negotiations with some NGOs. But he declined to explain their nature. He said Mr. Wolfgang would be detained for about a week.

Referring to the rescue operations the security forces had launched, Mr. Vaiphei said some villagers had been tortured. If the security forces continued their activities, the life of the hostage might be endangered. Top police officials confirmed that "negotiations" were on. A senior German embassy official, Guido Beutler, has been camping in Imphal for negotiations.

On December 8, 2002, the KLA had abducted Victor Keishing, son of the former Chief Minister and sitting Rajya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing. A ransom of Rs.10 lakhs had been demanded.

They also kidnapped Konjenbam Ibotombi, Additional Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department on January 22, and a ransom of Rs. 30 lakhs had been demanded. The BSNL Deputy General Manager, J. Lunkim, was kidnapped on March 18, and a ransom of Rs.30 lakhs had been sent.

Earlier, the KLA had ambushed a police party and killed three personnel in Ukhrul district.

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