IT News,
Imphal, Sept 30:
On the occasion of the 128th birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot, Nando Luwang, Convener of the Protection and Preservation Committee, Manipur (PPCM), stated that the state’s security apparatus should be held responsible for the abduction of two Meitei youths by Kuki militants.
The observance to mark the birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irabot took place today at the Jawaharlal Nehru Manipur Dance Academy (JNMDA) Hall. The event was attended by Pheirouam Nando Luwang, Convener of PPCM; Kh. Gopen Luwang, Co-Convenor of the Lamyanba Irabot Ningshing Thouram Observation Committee (UNTOC); and K. Thoiba Meetei, Convenor of LINTOC.
Speaking at the event organized by the UNTOC under the aegis of PPCM, Nando Luwang stated that if anything happens to the kidnapped individuals, the security advisors and leadership of the state home department, including the Director General of Police (DGP), will be held accountable.
Nando Luwang expressed disappointment at the somber atmosphere of the event, highlighting that while it should be a day of celebration, the abduction of the youths has cast a shadow over the occasion. He noted that one youth had been released, while the other two remain in the custody of Kuki militants. He suggested that the Assam Rifles might have a role in the incident, asserting that the youths were abducted while attending a recruitment event for the armed forces.
Reflecting on the broader implications of the abduction, Nando Luwang criticized the loss of autonomy since Manipur’s merger with India, urging politicians to take a strong stance in asserting the state’s identity and autonomy. He lamented the lack of action from central leaders, including the Home Minister, regarding the abduction, stating that no search operations have been initiated to rescue the victims.
“There is a likelihood that the Assam Rifles know where the abducted youths are being held, potentially using them as bargaining chips,” he claimed. He also voiced concerns about the demand for the transfer of Kuki criminals in custody and the release of certain individuals.
“If anything happens to the kidnapped youths, the security advisor should leave Manipur, and the DGP cannot escape accountability,” he warned, adding that it is suspected the youths are being held near security force camps.
The event included various activities, including a state level open patriotic song competition.
