Normal life in five districts of Imphal Valley, Manipur, came to a standstill on Wednesday following a shutdown called by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Meitei groups in response to the alleged kidnapping of two youths.
Commercial establishments closed, and vehicles were largely absent from the streets as demonstrators blocked roads across Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Kakching, and Thoubal districts.
In Thoubal, where the protests commenced on Tuesday, women obstructed the NH 102 at Mela Ground, Wangjing, Yairipok, and Khangabok, according to police reports.
Protesters in Imphal East's Khurai and Lamlong areas firmly enforced the shutdown, with women staging sit-ins and young men burning tyres to halt vehicular movement. JAC convenor L Subol declared, "The agitation will continue till the youths are released."
The two youths, Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba, were reportedly abducted on Friday in Kangpokpi district, which is dominated by the Kuki ethnic group.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed the incident during a press conference on Monday, stating that the state government, in collaboration with central authorities, is working to secure the release of the hostages.
"It is a very unfortunate incident. Of the three youths, one was released while the two others remain in the hands of militants. The Centre and the state government are in constant touch to ensure the safe release of the two youths. We are engaging in talks now," said Singh.
The three youths, including Johnson Singh, who was later rescued by the army, had taken a wrong turn while travelling to Kangpokpi for a recruitment exam.
The trio, all residents of Thoubal district, were allegedly abducted by armed men soon after arriving in the Kuki-dominated area. Johnson Singh was freed shortly after the abduction, while Thoithoi and Thoithoiba remain captives.
The Manipur Chief Minister said the director general of police had personally visited the area to negotiate with the kidnappers. However, Singh asserted that the state would not meet the militants’ demands, which included the release of Haokip.
"They have made some demands, but the government is trying to secure the release of the two youths unconditionally," Singh said. He reiterated that the government remains committed to bringing the situation under control without yielding to militant pressure.
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