INDIAN OFFICIALS REPORT NO PROGRESS IN CASE OF KIDNAPPED

UNCLAS CALCUTTA 000100 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PTER PHUM KRIM ASEC IN SUBJECT: INDIAN OFFICIALS REPORT NO PROGRESS IN CASE OF KIDNAPPED KUKI LEADER DR. LUNKIM REF: CALCUTTA 0093 ¶1. (SBU) Post continues monitor the kidnapping case of the Kuki Movement for Human Rights (KMHR) Chairman and Kuki Christian Church Administrative Secretary Dr. Tongkhojang Lunkim (REFTEL). On January 17, the Kuki Liberation Army (KLA) kidnapped Dr. Lunkim in the Senapti district of the Northeast Indian State of Manipur. Human rights contacts told post that there is no new information on Dr. Lunkim's situation. On March 1, CG spoke to Manipur Chief Secretary Jarnail Singh to convey the USG's concern regarding Dr. Lunkim's kidnapping. The Chief Secretary understood our concern with the kidnapping, noting the 80-year old Dr. Lunkim's advanced age. However, he said that the state government did not want to initiate an aggressive search out of fear that the KLA would be driven to kill Dr. Lunkim. Singh believed that Dr. Lunkim was being held in the eastern side of the Imphal valley, an area known for kidnappings and lawlessness. The Chief Secretary said that he is in contact with Dr. Lunkim's relatives and met with them earlier that day. ¶2. (SBU) After Singh's review of the situation, CG again emphasized the USG's interest in a resolution to the kidnapping. Singh responded that he understood our concern but that future communication with Manipur government officials would have to be through the GOI's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: The GOM is unable to maintain effective law and order in Manipur. Kidnappings are frequent and are usually only resolved when the ransoms are paid. The Manipur authorities appear incapable of effecting Dr. Lunkim's release and his family is unable/reluctant to pay the KLA's ransom demand of over USD 200,000. Post will continue to monitor the status through contacts in the NGO community. JARDINE