20 Kuki inmates released in exchange for two abducted youths
Imphal, Oct 3 (UNI): Two Meitei youths, who Kuki militants abducted on September 27, were released on Thursday morning at Kangpokpi district in Manipur.
After seven days of negotiations, 20 Kuki inmates in jail for various crimes were also released. Assam Rifles personnel helped in the final negotiation. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren discussed the matter with opposition leaders O Ibobi and Congress President K Meghachandra.
CM sent DGP Rajiv Singh twice to hold talks with the abductors. Meanwhile, COTU, an organisation based in Kangpokpi, said it helped negotiate.
Three youths who were going to attend an army recruitment of SSC GD at New Keithelmanbi had lost way and reached a Kuki-dominated area.
A massive manhunt was launched, following which one Johnson Singh of Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai was rescued. Two youths identified as Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba of Thoubal were in the custody of Kuki militants.
Over 31 persons, including children, who entered Kuki areas are still missing in Manipur after the crisis started on 3 May 2023.