Two Kidnapped Youths In Manipur Released After Coordinated Efforts By Centre And State

Two youths from the Meitei community were safely released on Thursday, according to police sources. They were kidnapped by Kuki militants on September 27.

A police official confirmed that militants handed them over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi on Thursday. “They were safely delivered to the Kangpokpi District Police in the presence of Assam Rifles and CRPF officials at Gamgiphai and were later taken to the Imphal Police Station,” the official stated.

In a post on X, Chief Minister N Biren Singh expressed gratitude for the efforts made to secure their return. He stated, “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.”

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Abducted youths were going for army recruitment exam

The two youths, Oinam Thoithoi (27) and Thokchom Thoithoiba (28), along with another individual, Ningombam Johnson (25), were kidnapped. The victims were traveling for an Army recruitment examination between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts. Johnson was rescued the day after the abduction.

To secure the release of Thoithoi and Thoithoiba, Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh engaged in meetings with the abductors across various districts. Both Central and state security forces coordinated closely in their efforts to facilitate the youths’ safe return.

The incident sparked significant unrest, leading to disruptions in normal life across six Valley districts in Manipur on Wednesday, as a shutdown was called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) in response to the kidnappings. JAC convenor L. Subol stated that the committee would continue its agitation until the youths were released.

Additionally, Congress Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, reached out to Union Home Minister Amit Shah.  He urged Shah to take urgent measures to ensure the safe release of Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba.