IT News
Imphal, April 3,
31st March 2019 became an unforgettable day for Thingam Kamala Leima, a seasonal agricultural worker who single handedly takes care of her family. The day started as usual for her when she went to work at her paddy field. However, Kamala had no idea that a seemingly ordinary day would turn out into a fanatic search for her son, Thingam Raj Meitei. Raj, aged just 10 and a student of class 3rd ventured out 8km from his home on his bicycle, leaving the entire village worried.
Their fates intertwined with Assam Rifles when Raj borrowed a mini cycle from his neighbours and paddled towards the playground but did not return till lunch time. Kamala’s husband who is a mason by profession is presently working in Kerala and hence the responsibility lies solely on Kamala to take care of the family. On 31st March 2019, when her son did not return till 1100 hours, she started worrying. Responding to her concern, the local youth clubs and village authorities started searching for the boy in the neighbourhood.
The distressed mother and locals called the Company Commander of Pangaltabi Company Operating Base, Kakching battalion Assam Rifles for help. The AR Battalion part of 28 Sector Assam Rifles of IGAR (South) immediately sent a team to conduct thorough search of the entire locality. All the sources were informed about the missing boy. Even with thorough search and use of PA equipments, the boy could still not be located. Around 1930 hours an information came to the Company Commander from one of his associates with a fitting description of a boy on a minicycle at Sarik Khunou, approximately 08 km from Umathel Mayai Leikai. The team went immediately and found Raj safe and sound at the road side at Sarik Khunou. The child was given refreshments and taken back home.
The mother with teary eyes embraced her son and stated, “I thought I had lost him forever. I am grateful to Assam Rifles and would always remain indebted to the Kakching Battalion”. On asking about how Raj lost his way, the boy recollected that he kept riding the bicycle and lost his way but he took it as an adventure. The day ended with happy tears in eyes, smiles on faces and a memorable day in the life of a young boy.
Although small but important, this incident shows how closely Assam Rifles has got intertwined with the lives of the locals.
