IT Correspondent
Thoubal, Oct 1:
The 48-hour bandh in Thoubal district which is going on has affected the normal life. The bandh was announced after the government’s failure to secure the release of two Meitei youths abducted by Kuki militants, entered its second day today.
The strike, led by a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in response to the abduction, began at 3 AM yesterday. The bandh has resulted in the closure of the Asian Highway No. 1 and all shops and services, with exemptions made only for medical services and religious activities.
The two youths, Oinam Thoithoi Singh from Thoubal Leisangthem and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh from Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai, were abducted on September 27, along with a third youth, Ngangom Johnson. The trio reportedly lost their way to the 33 Assam Rifles camp in Keithelmanbi for the SSC General Duty recruitment test. Although Johnson was rescued by the Army the following day, Thoithoi and Thoithoiba remain in captivity.
Co-convenor of the JAC, Keisam Yaiphaba, stated that the bandh was extended after a meeting with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh failed to produce results. The JAC had set a deadline of 7 PM on September 30 for the release of the youths, which passed without any resolution.
