A highly reliable source stated that the Kuki militants, in exchange for the release of two Meitei youths held hostage, made a list of demands, including the safe release of Mark T Haokip, who is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
In response to the situation, Chief Minister N Biren Singh called a meeting with both ruling and Opposition parties at the CM Secretariat on Sunday afternoon. The meeting followed the release of a video featuring two Meitei youths who are still being held hostage by Kuki militants.
The three Meitei youths went missing on Friday after traveling to New Keithelmanbi to attend the SSC GD recruitment physical fitness test at the 9-Sector Assam Rifles center.
Later, one of the three was rescued and handed over to Imphal Police Station by the Indian Army on Saturday. After undergoing a medical examination, the rescued individual was reunited with family members on Sunday at around 10 am.
The other two individuals remain missing.
ALSO READ: Johnson appeals for release of friends
Late on Saturday, a video surfaced on social media featuring the two missing persons. In the video, the two individuals pleaded, saying, “As Meiteis, if ‘Pabung’ (addressing the Chief Minister as ‘father’ in Manipuri) Biren considers us your sons, please save our lives and fulfill the demands of our brothers. We are pleading with you as true Meiteis.”
In response, Chief Minister N Biren Singh called an emergency meeting with all MLAs from both the ruling and Opposition parties at the CM’s Secretariat.
The chief minister posted photos of the meeting on X (formerly Twitter) 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.”
Highly reliable sources revealed that the meeting also discussed various demands made by Kuki militants, including the release of Mark Thangmang Haokip in exchange for the two captives.
ALSO READ: Holding civilians hostage is act of terror: Bimol Akoijam
Mark Thangmang Haokip has been in the custody of the NIA. He was arrested by Manipur Police from Krishnagarh, New Delhi, on May 24, 2022, under sections 120-B, 121, 121-A, 123, and 400 of the IPC and sections 17/18 of the UA(P) Act.
Manipur police stated that 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 (GPDRK), which allegedly sought to destabilize the country, posing a threat to state security.
Through his alleged propaganda and incitement, he mobilized people to obstruct a tree plantation program at Thangjing Hills, potentially causing tensions between communities in the state.
Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president Keisham Meghachandra spoke to the media after the meeting, held in front of the CM’s residence in Imphal. He stated that opposition MLAs, including CLP leader O Ibobi Singh, urged the state government to stay in close contact with the central government.
He said, “We should not accept any demands made by Kuki militants. Instead, the state government should coordinate with the central government and take necessary actions according to the law of the land.”
“The demand for an exchange is not a proper step; such demands will not bring peace to the state. We should not accept it if it goes against the law. The chief minister informed us in the meeting that the two captives are still safe,” added Meghachandra.
