Imphal: Early on September 27, three Meitei youths went to the Assam Rifle camp in Manipur for an interview, but they entered a region that was controlled by Kukis by mistake. The Kuki terrorist group kidnapped the boys. On September 28, when one of them was being taken to a different location by the Kuki terrorist organisation, he was rescued by security personnel. The terrorists have the other two youngsters in their captivity and they have taken them to an unknown location. The residents of Thoubal district have declared a 48-hour strike in protest of the government’s inability to obtain the release of two Meitei youngsters who were kidnapped by armed Kuki terrorists.
Local media reports say that Kuki terrorist groups are demanding the release of their leader Mark T Haokip who is currently in NIA custody and 15 others in Manipur jail in return for the release of the abducted Meitei boys.
At three in the morning on October 1, the bandh started under the direction of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) established in relation to the kidnapping. Asian Highway No. 1 will be closed throughout the strike, along with all businesses and services (medical services and religious activities are excluded). Along with Ngangom Johnson, two other young boys who were kidnapped by Kuki were identified as Oinam Thoithoi Singh from Thoubal Leisangthem and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh from Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai, on September 27. The three had apparently become disoriented while following directions from Google Maps and were making their way to the 33 Assam Rifles camp in New Keithelmanbi in preparation for the SSC General Duty recruitment exam. While the Army came to Johnson’s aid the next day.
Both Thoithoi and Thoithoiba are still under custody of Kuki terrotists. Following his rescue, Ningombam Johnson Singh made the following video statement: “On the 28th, my brother and I went to 33 Assam Rifles to attend the SSC GD recruitment physical test.” We had to be there by 5. I tried using Google Maps to find the place, but I got lost. We got into the settlement of Kuki. They led us to a hilltop camp. They took me away and kept us apart. They let me go. I hope and pray that they free my friend and brother as well.”
A meeting with Chief Minister N. Biren Singh did not result in the release of the two teenagers, according to JAC co-convenor Keisam Yaiphaba, who made the decision to call for a bandh. The JAC had set a deadline of September 30 at 7 PM for the teenagers’ release, however that day passed without an outcome. Protests broke out in Thoubal in response, and on Monday, locals and Meira Paibis, a civil society organisation for women, blocked the Asian Highway at Thoubal Mela Ground, causing all traffic to stop. Alongside other protests that took place throughout the city, female vendors also closed their businesses in show of solidarity.
If the government does not ensure the safe release of the two kidnapped youths, the JAC has threatened to step up its agitation.
