Jammu: Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the release of CoBRA CRPF jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas, who hails from Jammu, the family on Thursday said that it is the happiest moment of their life.
The jawan, who was held captive post ambush in Chhatisgarh’s Bastar on April 3, was released on Thursday.
“CoBRA jawan Rakeshwar Singh Manhas was abducted by Naxals during Bijapur attack on April 3, has been released by them,” said a family member, quoting police sources.
“Today is the happiest day of my life. I always remained hopeful of his return. I thank the government,” Meenu, wife of the CRPF jawan said.
Meanwhile, Union MoS in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh taking to micro-blogging site, said, “A huge relief for the family as well as the entire #Jammu region. Thanks PM Sh @narendramodi. Thanks HM Sh @amitshah.”
The jawan was brought to a CRPF camp in Bijapur after he was released.
Earlier, a photograph of Manhas sitting in a hut had surfaced.
On Tuesday, the outlawed CPI (Maoist) had issued a statement in Hindi saying its cadres had abducted the CoBRA commando from the site of the ambush and demanded that the Chhattisgarh government appoint interlocutors to ensure his safe release.
Wave of happiness gripped the native village of CRPF jawan after the news of his release went viral on social media.
Shouting “Prime Minister Zindabad”, “Amit Shah Zindabad”, the family members and relatives thanked to the Government.
Manhas will be taken to hospital for medical check up, a Chhattisgarh police official said, adding that he was released to the negotiation team in front of hundreds of the villagers in Tareem.
According to the sources in Bastar, the commando will be taken to Basaguda CRPF camp and later, will be flown to Raipur.
The Chhattisgarh Government had appointed two-member negotiation team to mediate hostage crisis.
