Three Meitei youths of Thoubal district who went to Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district to attend the SSC GD recruitment physical fitness test at 9-Sector Assam Rifles, on Friday went missing mysteriously, according to reports.
Meanwhile, one youth among them was handed over by the Army to Imphal West district police after being reportedly rescued.
As per sources, the trio were identified as Ningombam Johnson, 25, son of N Sanjoy of Khekman Maning Leikai, Oinam Thoithoi, 27, son of OYaima of Leishangthem Awang Leikai and Thokchom Thoithoi, 27, son of Th.Ibotombi of Khekman Wangmataba Maning Leikai.
They reportedly travelled to Keithelmanbi on an Enfield Motor Cycle of Th Thoithoiba on Friday around 2.30 pm to attend the recruitment examination scheduled for Saturday.
Out of the three, only Johnson was the candidate for SSC general duty examination to be conducted at Keithelmanbi, while the other two accompanied him.
According to N Johnson’s father N Sanjoy, he called his son over the phone after estimating their arrival time, but his phone was switched off. Concerned for their safety, he feared they might have been abducted.
Later that night, Assam Rifles of Kangpokpi district discreetly handed N Johnson over to the Imphal Police Station. His family met him on Saturday morning after being informed, but the police did not permit them to either talk with Johnson or inquire about the incident.
In an unexpected turn, Johnson was taken to the 9-Sector Assam Rifles in Nongchup Keithelmanbi to provide a statement and was subsequently held at the Imphal Police Station.
Meanwhile, sources indicated that the trio used Google Maps to navigate to Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district but were abducted at Gamgiphai, instead of New Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district.
The police have not confirmed whether the trio was detained by the Assam Rifles or another group. If Johnson was indeed abducted by Kuki militants, why does he remain in police custody rather than being returned to his family.
Johnson’s family has delivered food and clothing to the police station for his further stay.
Although there are reports suggesting that Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoi have been rescued by the Assam Rifles, they had not been returned to their families till the time of filing this report.
In response to the abduction, a public meeting was convened at Khekman, leading to the formation of a Joint Action Committee (JAC). They submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister and DGP through Thoubal DC Ahanthem Subash, demanding the safe return of the two remaining individuals.
