KSU sets 24-hr deadline, warns abductors
SHILLONG: The mother of a kidnapped driver has pleaded the captors to release her son immediately.
In a tearful request, the aged mother of seven pleaded for the safe release of her youngest son, John Paul Kharsyiemiong (25), who was kidnapped by unidentified miscreants on Sunday.
“We are poor people. When he informed us that he is taking up a job in Shallang, we agreed but less than a month of being employed there, he has been kidnapped,” the mother, Tronsila Kharsyiemiong told reporters here on Thursday.
The family members who reside at Mawsdie, Jakrem said that they have not informed police and are paraying for his safe release.
Meanwhile, the Khasi Students Union, South West Khasi Hills Circle, while taking exception to the incident, has also demanded the immediate and unconditional release of Kharsyiemiong and another kidnapped person, John Starley Lyngkhoi, from Mawthawpdah, within 24 hours.
While briefing reporters at KSU head office, general secretary of the union Forwardman Nongrem, said, “Some have witnessed them (the victims) being kidnapped by Garo militants who are demanding a ransom of Rs 50 lakh from the employer.”
The KSU said that the kidnapping by the Garo militants has strained the harmonious relationship the Khasis shared with the Garos at Shallang.
It added that if the kidnapped duo is not released within 24 hours “we will break all ties with the Garos. A public meeting will also be convened on December 10 to decide on the further course of action.”
“The Garo militants will be responsible for the well-being of their own people. We have decided to take a strong stand against the harassment meted to the Khasis,” Nongrem said.
The KSU claimed that the militants intended to kidnap the employer, a coal baron at Shallang, failing which they turned their eyes on the two men.
