New Delhi: Two youths held hostage by armed men in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district were released and handed over to the police on Thursday morning, seven days after their abduction. According to a report by The Hindu, 11 Kuki men, previously arrested by the Manipur Police and held in Imphal jail, were transferred to a Kuki-dominated jail in Churachandpur, as demanded by the kidnappers.
The two youths, Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Th Thoithoiba Singh, are currently being escorted back to Imphal. “The youths were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi at Gamgiphai naka and have since left for Imphal,” the police stated.
Youths lost their way while returning
On September 27, the two had accompanied another youth, N Johnson Singh, who was attending the SSC GD recruitment test at New Keithelmanbi. However, they lost their way in the Kangpokpi district. While Johnson was rescued by the army and returned to the police, the two others remained in captivity.
The state government, with support from the Centre, engaged in negotiations to secure the release of the two youths.
Manipur CM confirmed the development
Meanwhile, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh in a post on social media platform X, said, “The two young men who were abducted in Kangpokpi on September 27 have been safely released.” He added, “I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central governments who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are truly valued.”
The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi on 27th September, 2024 have been safely brought back to the custody of @manipur_police . I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are deeply…
— N. Biren Singh (@NBirenSingh) October 3, 2024
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