Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on Thursday that two Meitei youths, who were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki militants on September 27 from Kangpokpi district, have been safely rescued and are now under the custody of state police. The two individuals, Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei, were reported missing while traveling for an SSC GD recruitment test.
Taking to social media platform X, Singh expressed his gratitude to the state and central authorities for their efforts in securing the youths’ safe return. “The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi on 27th September, 2024, have been safely brought back to the custody of @manipur_police. I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are deeply valued,” he said.
The incident triggered widespread protests in the state, with a shutdown called by the Meitei Joint Action Committee (JAC) affecting normal life across five districts in the Imphal Valley. Commercial establishments and shops remained closed in Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts on Wednesday as protesters blocked roads, including key sections of National Highway 102. Women protesters were also seen at various locations, including Mela Ground, Wangjing, and Khangabok.
The JAC had earlier vowed to continue the agitation until the abducted youths were released. “The agitation will continue till the youths are released,” JAC convenor L Subol told PTI.
The abduction has sparked political tensions, with the Congress party accusing the BJP-led state government of failing to ensure a timely rescue. Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam had written to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging for swift action to ensure the safe return of the youths. He condemned the alleged demands made by Kuki militants for an exchange of hostages as an “act of terrorism” and criticized the state for its inability to protect its citizens’ fundamental rights.
Three youths had gone missing on September 27 while on their way to New Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district. They had reportedly strayed into Keithelmanbi, located in Kangpokpi district, where they were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki militants. One of the youths, identified as Ningombam Johnson Singh, was rescued by the Assam Rifles, while the other two remained missing until their recent rescue by the state police.
The successful rescue brings relief to the region, but tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities remain, with ongoing security concerns in the state.
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