Two Meitei youths, who were abducted by Kuki militants in Kangpokpi district after they lost their way on September 27, were released on Thursday, with top government sources telling CNN-News18 that no back-channel deal was struck with the Kukis.
Sources said the youths — Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh — were handed over to the Kangpokpi SP at Gamgiphaii check-post at 5.15am. They were then brought to Imphal by police.
The sources said while 11 Kukis were released in return, it was not a back-door negotiation. “These 11 Kukis have already finished their jail term and were going to be sent to their homes. Their release was delayed due to security reasons as we needed to ensure they were sent securely,” they added.
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
News18 had earlier reported that the Kuki groups had demanded the release of Mark Haokip, a “secessionist leader”, as ransom. Haokip was in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) after being slapped with UAPA charges for “waging war against India”. The abductors had also demanded that Kukis in Imphal jail be shifted to jails in Kuki-dominated hill area as their safety under Meitei jail staff could not be assured.
However, sources said the government had refused the demands of releasing serving prisoners because of the “involvement of the legal system”.
Oinam Thoithoi Singh, Ningombam Johnson Singh, and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh had left for New Keithelmanbi to appear for an SSC GD recruitment exam on September 27. As per officials, they lost their way and reached Kangpokpi — a Kuki-dominated area.
Ningombam told the local media that they were led astray by a location-tracking app. As per Ningombam ‘s account, they were stopped by Kuki women after crossing the buffer zone. The trio was held hostage by village defence volunteers and police suspect that subsequently, Kuki militants took their custody. While Ningombam Singh’s release was secured by the Indian Army and security forces within 24 hours, the other two continued to be held hostage.
News18 had reported on Wednesday that the Manipur Police had expressed hope that the two abducted Meitei youth could be released soon, with officials telling CNN-News18 that the state DGP was leading the negotiations and forces were close to achieving a breakthrough.
Massive protests had broken out in Thoubal, the home district of the abducted duo. In a video that went viral, the youths had referred to Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh as their father and pleaded for help.
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