A day after one of the three individuals allegedly abducted by Kuki militants was rescued, Manipur CM N Biren Singh on Monday (September 30) informed that the state government is in talks with the abductors for the safe release of the other two youths.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 128th birth anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot, the Manipur Chief Minister emphasized the state's efforts to ensure the safe release of the two abductees, identified as Th. Thoithoiba Singh and O. Thoithoi Singh.
"The DGP himself has gone to the location to hold talks with the abductors. We believe there will be a positive outcome. They have made some demands, and the government is working to secure the release of the two youths unconditionally," said the Chief Minister.
The three youths, identified as N. Johnson Singh, Th. Thoithoiba Singh, and O. Thoithoi Singh, all from Thoubal district, were on their way to take the SSC GD recruitment test when they were abducted by Kuki militants. Reportedly, the youths took a wrong turn and ended up in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, where they were allegedly held captive.
While N. Johnson Singh has been rescued by the army and handed over to the police, efforts continue to locate and release the remaining youths, Th. Thoithoiba Singh and O. Thoithoi Singh.
Significantly, in connection to the case, hundreds of women from Thoubal district staged a protest, demanding the immediate rescue of the two abducted Meitei youths. They blocked traffic on NH-102 near Mela Ground in Thoubal district and raised slogans.
One of the protesters, speaking to the media, said, “This is an act of terrorism. Why are the Centre and the state government not taking any steps?”
Additionally, a Joint Action Committee formed by local residents warned that they would impose a “total shutdown” in the district if the two youths were not released by Tuesday.
(With inputs from PTI)
READ MORE | Manipur: Three of one person abducted by Kuki rebels rescued in Imphal West
READ MORE | Understanding the Manipur Crisis: Through lenses of CM N Biren Singh
