2 kidnapped by NSCN-K Ang Mai faction released after a month

Itanagar: Two persons, who were kidnapped by militants of the Ang Mai faction of banned outfit NSCN-K from Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, were released on Thursday after remaining in captivity for nearly a month, police said.Militants of the Ang Mai faction of the NSCN-K had kidnapped a village chief and a ‘gaon bura’ (village headman) from Chop village in the district on November 28 for allegedly not paying a levy of Rs 50,000 to the outfit.They were reportedly taken to Longpa village in neighbouring Myanmar.The village headman is an official post, while the village chief is a traditional one.Village headman Chopkhu Gangsa (53) and village chief Chijgsan Wangham (45) were released on Thursday and they reached their village around 2 pm, SP (Longding) Dekio Gumja said.“Their health conditions are stated to be stable,” the SP said, without elaborating on the details regarding their safe release.The outfit had reportedly demanded a ransom of Rs 1.65 crore for their release. However, it released the captives after pressure was put on by the police, security forces and community-based organisations, although it is not clear whether any ransom was paid.Another person, identified as Gangmoih Gangsa, who had gone to Longpa to negotiate the release of the duo, was also detained by the militants. However, he was also released along with the duo on Thursday. PTI

Women take out protest march in Gasho Khurd village seeking release of Neelam Verma

Neelam Verma, supported by women, led a protest march in her village to demand her release. Activists warned of a statewide protest if demands were not met soon. They highlighted the high unemployment rate and job crunch faced by the nation's 45 crore youths. They urged the government to show a soft corner for these youths instead of projecting them as terrorists. Contacts are being made to mobilize more sections of society for a mega event in Jind district.

Prowling bear scares villagers

Movement of a sloth bear in agricultural fields and near human habitats in villages of Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, has been scaring residents. The bear was captured in CCTV cameras in the Malai Mahadeshwara Wildlife Sanctuary area. After being rescued and released by forest officers, it appeared again in Sandanapalya village. Villagers demand immediate action from the forest department to capture and relocate the bear. The bear is suspected to be injured and struggling to find food.

In village, march in support of Neelam

Women march in support of Neelam Verma, accused in parliament security breach, demanding her immediate release. Farmers outfits and students unions from Punjab and Haryana join the protest. Activists warn of escalating the protest if their demand is not met. Rallies organized in Punjab as well. Beant Singh calls for the government to show leniency, stating Verma did not harm anyone in Parliament.