The government and administration are making continuous efforts to restore peace in the north-eastern state of Manipur, but infighting among some organizations keeps sabotaging these efforts. Let us tell you that the latest news is that two youths held hostage by armed men in Kangpokpi district of the state were freed on Thursday morning, a week after their kidnapping, and handed over to the police. Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thoithoiba Singh were handed over to Kangpokpi Superintendent of Police at Gamgiphai Naka around 5 am, an official said. Police said that both reached Imphal safely under the protection of state police and Assam Rifles.
According to the police, on September 27, both of them met another youth N. Johnson had gone with Singh to New Kithelmanbi in Imphal West district to appear for the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) GD recruitment exam for recruitment in the central forces, but they lost their way in Kangpokpi district. During that time all three were kidnapped. Johnson was rescued by the army and handed over to the police, while the two youths remained in captivity of armed men. The official said that the state government, with the help of the Centre, had held talks to ensure the release of the two youths. The Director General of Police had visited Kangpokpi district twice to secure their release, an official said.
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Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said in a post on social media, “Two youths kidnapped in Kangpokpi on September 27 have been safely rescued.” The Chief Minister said, “I wholeheartedly appreciate all those people of the state and central government. who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are very commendable.
Let us also tell you that there are reports that these two youths have been released in exchange for the release of 11 cookies. It is being told that 11 Kuki-Jo prisoners from Sajiwa Central Jail of Imphal were sent to Kangpokpi district after getting bail from the court. “The prisoners, who were lodged in jail for various crimes including drug-related charges, were recently granted bail by a local court,” an official said, adding that due to the prevailing situation in the state. His release was delayed. However, the official said there was no connection between the release of prisoners from jail and the freeing of two Meitei youths.
However, the Committee of Tribal Unity (COTU) in Kangpokpi District claimed that the release of 11 prisoners was a key demand in the talks for the release of the youth. “Three people from Imphal Valley were detained by activists of our village,” a COTU representative said in a video message. After our intervention, we managed to immediately release one youth. For the other two, our volunteers imposed certain conditions. Our first discussion with the DGP on September 29 was not successful.” He said, ”Our initial demands included transfer of all Kuki-Jo prisoners from Sajiwa Central Jail to Churachandpur and setting up of a police station. We requested the Center to intervene and with their help we reached an amicable solution. The youth were released and as per our agreement, the 11 prisoners have now been taken to the church compound in Saparmena.
On the other hand, Chief Minister N Biren Singh earlier admitted that the kidnappers had put forth their demands. “There have been some demands regarding the transfer of some prisoners, but the government is working towards releasing the youth unconditionally,” he had said on September 30.
