Social realities have converted simple cattle thieves into kidnappers in Alaotra-Mangoro. The state responds to the cries of the victims with a military engagement.
And let’s go for the hunt for kidnappers in the districts of Amparafaravola and Ambatondrazaka. Yesterday, an operation called “Harato” or fishing net was launched, involving about three hundred men from the Army, the Police and the Gendarmerie. An operational command post has been established at Morarano-Chrome. This beginning of the State’s commitment, which responds to the cries of distress recently launched by the relatives of three hostages, still in the hands of their captors, rekindles hope. The result remains to be seen.
Some natives of Alaotra-Mangoro question the decision to massively send elements to the field. They wonder “if it is indeed the solution to the problem which, apart from the positive impact, will certainly cause damage, such as collateral damage and summary execution”. They believe that “the purely judicial investigation and the exploitation of territorial information, the results of telephone requisitions and clues make it possible to go back to the criminals”.
Ransom
Contacted by a colleague, the mayor of Morarano-Chrome, Dimby Ravelojaona, recognizes: “Kidnapping: in rural areas]has multiplied over the past five years. I’m not sure why, but I think cattle rustlers are now kidnapping people. There are almost no more oxen to steal. Besides, kidnapping someone is easier than stealing cattle that leave neat footprints. “They refuse to stop committing the crimes they are used to. They continue with the kidnapping. In the majority of cases, the victims are farmers who have agricultural equipment or arable land”, he underlines. Now three people are still being held by over-equipped kidnappers. The latter demanded fifty million ariary in exchange for their release. The police are doing what is necessary to save them. Apart from the strategies used, which remained confidential, a curfew from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. has been in effect since Wednesday in Ambatondrazaka and Amparafaravola.