Two abducted Meitei youths released in Manipur

The two Meitei youths, who had reportedly been abducted by Kuki militants on September 27, were released early on Thursday.

"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", Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh said in a post on X.

Initially, three youths on way to participate in an SSC recruitment camp had been abducted on September 27 after they strayed into Keithelmanbi area in Kangpokpi district.

One among them, identified as Ningombam Johnson Singh, was rescued by the Assam Rifles, while the other two remained missing.

Normal life was affected across five districts of the Imphal valley due to a shutdown called by a Meitei group Joint Action Committee to condemn the abduction of the youths, identified as Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei.

It became a political issue, with the state Congress blaming the Biren Singh-led BJP government for its failure to ensure their timely rescue.

Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam had also written to Home Minister Amit Shah, appealing for their safe release. The MP had called the demands for exchange of hostages by Kuki militants as an “act of terrorism” and said the country must not succumb to such threats.