Manipur: Congress MP Bimol Akoijam writes to Amit Shah; appeals for safe release of two "abducted Meitei youths"

"I urgently bring to your attention the escalating communal violence in Manipur, ongoing since 3rd May 2023, where hundreds of people from both the Meitei and Kuki communities have been killed, including while in the custody of the armed groups, with many still missing. In this environment of unrest, a disturbing youth hostage situation has emerged for the first time in the crisis in Manipur," Angomcha, the MP from Inner Manipur, wrote in a letter to the Union Home Minister.

He further claimed in the letter that three youths from Thoubal district were "abducted" when they went to New Keithelmanbi for an SSC GD recruitment test on September 27, while one was rescued, the other two still remain in the "custody of the suspected Kuki abductors."

"On 27th September 2024, three youths from Thoubal district-Ningombam Johnson Singh, Oinam Thoithoi Singh, and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei-went missing while travelling to New Keithelmanbi, but strayed to Keithelmanbi, in Kangpokpi district for an SSC GD recruitment test. They were abducted by suspected armed members of the Kuki community. While one youth, Ningombam Johnson Singh, was 'rescued' by the Assam Rifles, the other two, Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei, still remain in the custody of the suspected Kuki abductors. How did the Assam Rifles rescue only one out of the three youths who were travelling in the same vehicle still remains a mystery," the letter said.

"For the release of Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei, the Kuki abductors are reportedly demanding the release of Mark T. Haokip, who is under judicial custody in an NIA court case, and also the transfer of prisoners belonging to the Kuki community out of jail in Imphal. Such hostage-taking is a familiar global challenge and we in this country also have had similar experiences earlier, albeit this is the first case in the ongoing crisis in Manipur," he said in a letter.

He further urged the Home Minister to use all the resources to ensure the safe release of Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei.

"It should go without saying that putting up demands in exchange for the hostages is an act of terrorism and we as a country must not succumb to such terror tactics. I earnestly urge you to use all the resources under your good office to ensure the safe release of Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Meitei. Their families are in deep distress, and their safety must be prioritized without delay," he said.

Speaking to ANI, the Congress leader said that the state has not been able to provide "right to life" enshrined in the Constitution.

"Today, I thought that I'll speak not to the government of India but to the rest of the people...The beginning of the arm (armed conflict) was the first signal, then the looting and so on happened. Then you see that there was a lull after the first few days of May... Then you see Assam Rifles confronting with Manipur police. You see two retired officials of two security organisations speaking against and opposite almost fitting into a narrative of Meiteis versus Kukis... Article 21 gives us that right to life. None of the people in the state, whether Kukis or Meiteis, the state has not been able to provide it. Isn't it all the fundamental right in our constitution?.. In our Constitution, all the rights which are guaranteed are an obligation of the state. The state must defend all those rights. The state has not done that," the Congress leader said.

Violence erupted in the northeastern state on May 3 last year following clashes during a rally organised by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) to protest against the demand for the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. (ANI)