Date:07/04/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/04/07/stories/2003040704801200.htm

National

KLA yet to release abducted German national

By Our Correspondent

IMPHAL APRIL 6. Though the six-day additional detention period announced by the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) for the German national, Heinrich Wolfgang, expired on April 2, there is no sign of his release by the outfit.

Wolfgang was abducted on March 23 and the KLA had reportedly demanded Rs. 1 crore as ransom. A police officer told The Hindu today that the German Government had made it clear that no ransom would be paid.

In a press briefing, the "Director" of Information and Publicity of the KLA, Malsawm Khongsai, denied having demanded the ransom.

However, police maintain that the ransom amount was the sole basis of the "negotiations" between the KLA and Volunteer for Village Development, the NGO which had brought Wolfgang to oversee some German-funded projects.

The police officer said that hectic parleys were going on since the NGO did not have any money. Even last night talks were held and the KLA did not accept the NGO proposal.

The Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi, said there was nothing the Government could do to rescue Wolfgang, adding that the latter went to restricted areas without informing the authorities.