Two youths abducted by suspected Kuki militants were released early this morning. Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi, who had been missing since September 27, were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi around 5 AM. Local sources suggest that negotiations involving community leaders and authorities played a crucial role in securing their safe return. However, details about their health and the exact circumstances surrounding their abduction have yet to be confirmed by officials.
This incident prompted urgent appeals from local leaders, including Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, who on October 2 called on Home Minister Amit Shah for immediate action to ensure the youths’ safety. The abduction reflects a troubling pattern of communal violence that has afflicted Manipur since May 2023. The ordeal began when the two youths, along with another man, were traveling to New Keithelmanbi for an SSC GD recruitment test. While one youth was rescued by Assam Rifles, Thoithoiba and Thoithoi were held captive until their release today.
MP Akoijam expressed concern over the circumstances of the rescue, noting, “How the Assam Rifles managed to rescue only one out of the three youths traveling in the same vehicle remains a mystery.” He also revealed that the abductors had issued demands for the release of Mark T Haokip, who is currently in judicial custody related to an NIA case, as well as the transfer of Kuki prisoners from Imphal jails. Condemning these demands as acts of terrorism, Akoijam asserted, “Such hostage-taking is a familiar global challenge… We as a country must not succumb to such terror tactics.”
