In response to an appeal made by Ningthoujam (O) Ebenaobi Devi, the daughter of 60-year-old Yurembam Rani Devi, who is one of the individuals abducted by Kuki militants, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has reportedly stated that “he is not a God and, therefore, cannot provide a specific timeframe” for the rescue of six individuals, including three minors, who have been held hostage.
Ebenaobi, accompanied by representatives of the Jiribam Students’ Forum, met the chief minister on Thursday to seek his intervention for the safe release of the captives.
In support of the cause, the Heirok Apunba Club and Heirok Apunba Meira Paibi organised a torch rally on Wednesday night and later approached the chief minister to express their concerns.
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Ebenaobi, the third daughter of five of Yurembam Rani Devi from Jiribam and now married in Heirok, recounted her plea to the chief minister. She had urged him to provide a timeline for the rescue of her mother, sisters, and the three children. In response, the chief minister stated, ‘I am not a God, so I am unable to give an exact timeline for their rescue.’
Ebenaobi further called on the public to join her in demanding the unconditional release of the six individuals on humanitarian grounds. She expressed her anguish over the ordeal, questioning how the children are enduring the harsh weather and whether the women are safe.
Her frustration also extended to the CRPF, which had been deployed in the area but reportedly remained passive even as the militants reportedly carried out the abductions in their presence.
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Speaking through tears, Ebenaobi said, “I am waiting for the safe return of my mother, sisters, and the three children. I have no one else to turn to but the people of Manipur.”
The protestors also chanted slogans such as ‘Today Is Children's Day, Release the innocent Children,’ ‘Stop Crime Against Women and Children,’ among others.
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