Two youths abducted by suspected Kuki militants from Thoubal district of Manipur on 27th September have been released today after nearly a week in captivity.
Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi around 5 AM this morning.
Their abduction had sparked widespread concern, given the escalating violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023.
The release follows negotiations between community leaders and authorities. However, the exact details of the talks, their health status, and the circumstances of their capture remain undisclosed by officials.
The two youths, both from Thoubal district, were among three young men travelling to New Keithelmanbi for an SSC GD recruitment test on 27th September when they were reportedly taken hostage by armed Kuki militants.
The third youth, N Johnson Singh, was rescued by Assam Rifles shortly after, but Thoithoiba and Thoithoi remained in captivity until today.
Earlier this week, on 2nd October, Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam appealed directly to Home Minister Amit Shah, urging swift action for the safe release of the abducted youths.
In his letter, Akoijam condemned the militants’ demands for the release of Mark T Haokip, currently in judicial custody for an NIA case, and the transfer of Kuki prisoners out of Imphal jails.
“How the Assam Rifles managed to rescue only one of the three youths travelling in the same vehicle still remains a mystery,” the MP wrote, expressing concern over the situation.
Condemning the kidnappers' tactics, Akoijam labelled the hostage-taking as an act of terrorism, urging that such demands should never be met.
He further remarked that the incident reflects a growing challenge in the state’s fragile communal landscape.
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