Congress Legislative Party leader Okram Ibobi on Monday said that the two youths taken hostage by Kuki militants can be rescued if the Manipur government approaches the Central government so that Assam Rifles give pressure to the Kuki militants to release them.
He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of the 128th birth anniversary celebration of social reformer Jananeta Hijam Irawat at the Manipur Dramatic Union (MDU), Yaiskul Police Lane, Imphal West.
Ibobi said that the Central paramilitary forces are deployed in Manipur to assist the state government in maintaining law and order. Among these forces, the Assam Rifles are deployed in large numbers in various parts of the state, including the Indo-Myanmar border area of Manipur.
“I heard that the three youths were captured together at the same time by Kuki militants while they were traveling in the same vehicle. Only one of them was rescued by the Assam Rifles and handed over to Manipur Police, but two are still in the custody of the militants,” Ibobi said.
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The three youths from Thoubal Ningombam Johnson, 25, Oinam Thoithoi, 27, and Thokchom Thoithoiba were captured by Kuki militants on Friday while on their way to attend the SSC-GD recruitment at the 9-Sector Assam Rifles, New Keithelmanbi. Of the trio, Johnson was the only candidate and the other two were his companions.
On Saturday, Johnson was handed over to Manipur Police by the Assam Rifles after being rescued from the militants. However, the other two remain in the militants’ custody.
Sources reported that the three were traveling to the recruitment on a Royal Enfield motorcycle.
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Ibobi suggested that the two youths could be released if the Assam Rifles advise the captors, whether they are under the SoO agreement, or not to refrain from indulging in such acts, as it could escalate the ongoing violence and create a larger rift between the two communities.
He also urged the state government to intervene with the Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue swiftly.
President of Manipur PCC K Meghachandra; CPI leader and former minister Moirangthem Nara Singh; and former minister Kh Loken Singh also attended the function as guests of honour.
As part of the programme, a drama titled ‘Lamyanba Irawat,’ a production of MDU, was also performed.
