Imphal: Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh on Sunday, called an emergency MLAs meeting participated both by ruling and opposition parties in connection with the demands made by Kuki-Zo militants so as to release two Meitei youths who have been held captive since Friday.
Kuki militants have demanding the government to release Mark T. Haokip, who is in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), to the government in exchange for two Meitei youths.
The duo were among three Meitei youths who went missing on Friday on their way to attend the SSC GD recruitment at New Keithelmanbi, Imphal West.
One of the missing individuals was rescued by combined security forces from the Kangpokpi area and handed over to Imphal police station on Saturday.
The rescued individual was Ningombam Johnson Singh from Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai. The two others were identified as Oinam Thoithoi from Thoubal Leishangthem Awang Leikai and Thokchom Thoithoiba from Thoubal Khekman Wangmataba Mayai Leikai, remain missing.
According to the police, the last known cellphone location of the two missing individuals was traced to the Kanglatongbi area.
Police said Johnson, who was in safe police custody, was handed over to his family members after a medical examination.
On Saturday, a video surfaced on social media featuring the two missing persons. In the video, the two individuals requested, “As Meiteis, if ‘Pabung’ (addressing the chief minister as ‘father’) Biren considers us your sons, please save our lives and fulfil the demands of our brothers. We are pleading as true Meiteis.”
Biren posted photos of the meeting on X with a caption stating, “Addressed the current situation in the state, particularly focusing on the rescue of the two abducted innocent youths by Kuki militants. We condemn such heinous acts, and our government is working to secure the safe release of the victims.”
Sources said the meeting also discussed various demands made by Kuki militants, including the exchange of Mark Thangmang Haokip for the two captives.
Mark Thangmang Haokip was arrested by Manipur Police from Krishnagarth, New Delhi, on May 24, 2022, under sections 120-B, 121, 121-A, 123, and 400 of the IPC & 17/18 UA(P) Act.
Haokip was allegedly involved in a conspiracy for secession from India and in attempting or abetting the waging of war against the central government. He was also accused of raising funds from individuals for use in various terrorist activities through an outfit called the Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland, which allegedly sought to destabilize the country, posing a threat to state security.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee president Keisham Meghachandra, after the meeting with the chief minister, told reporters that the opposition MLAs, including former chief minister O. Ibobi Singh, urged the state government to stay in close contact with the central government.
“We should not accept any demands of Kuki militants. The state government should take necessary actions as per Law.”
“The demand for an exchange is not acceptable. Such demands will not bring peace to the state, Meghachandra said. “The chief minister informed us that the two captives are still safe.”
+ There are no comments
Add yours