IT News
Imphal, Oct 3:
Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi, two youths abducted by Kuki militants on September 27, were released early this morning. The two were handed over to the Superintendent of Police, Kangpokpi, at around 5 AM, after being missing for nearly a week. According to local sources, negotiations between community leaders and authorities likely contributed to their safe return, though details regarding their health and the circumstances of the abduction remain undisclosed.
Chief Minister N. Biren Singh confirmed their release, stating, “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 posted on X.
Their release came just after the release of 11 Kuki undertrial prisoners from Sajiwa jail, who were handed over to Saparmeina Police Station at around 2 AM. The police stated that the prisoners had been granted bail a month earlier but had remained in custody due to a lack of escort arrangements, a delay attributed to the ongoing conflict. The release of the prisoners was reportedly one of the preconditions set by the abductors.
The abduction occurred while the three youths from Thoubal district were traveling to New Keithelmanbi for an SSC GD recruitment test on September 27. One of the youths was rescued by Assam Rifles, but Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei remained in captivity until their release today.
