'Act of terror': CPI, Nupi Marup condemn abduction of youths, appeal for safe release
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 01 2024: The Manipur State Council, Communist Party of India (MSC-CPI) and All Manipur Nupi Marup have appealed for safe release of the youths abducted by armed Kuki militants recently.

In separate statements issued to the media today, the MSC-CPI and the All Manipur Nupi said the State Government and Centre must immediately secure the safe release of the two youths - Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh.

Notably, three youths including the two and one Ningombam Johnson were abducted by Kuki militants on September 27.They were heading to the 33 Assam Rifles camp at New Keithelmanbi for appearing in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) General Duty recruitment test when they lost their way following Google Maps and got abducted by the militants.

While Ngangom Johnson was released and rescued by the Army on September 28, the other two have not been released yet.

Ningombam Johnson hails from Khekman Maning Leikai.

Oinam Thoithoi hails from Thoubal Leisangthem and Thokchom Thoithoiba hails from Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai.

Meanwhile, MSC-CPI in its statement stated that the abduction and confinement of the two youths in captivity by the militants has deepened the crisis.

When the State is expected to act promptly and secure the release of the two youths, it has so far failed to deliver on its promises made on many occasions, said the party.

If the State Government is unable to secure the release of the youths, it should put maximum pressure on the Centre, it said.

If willing, the Union Home Minister may secure the release of the two youths.

The State Government must put pressure on the Union Home Minister for safe release of the two youths, it said.

The MSC-CPI further questioned the Centre's Manipur policy and handling of the crisis.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed that talks have started between communities in conflict, then why has this incident of abduction occurred, it asked.

"The Central NDA Government doesn't want peace.

They want conflicts and crises to continue and erode democracy and values enshrined in the Constitution," said the MSC-CPI.

The ongoing crisis has serious impacts on the economy of the State.

The Government's policies implemented under their hidden agenda must be faced and defeated by the people collectively, it said.

The Union Home Minister can secure the safe release of the two youths.

Securing their release would go a long way in bringing normalcy and peace to Manipur, said the MSC-CPI.

Meanwhile, the All Manipur Nupi Marup also echoed the same appeal and asserted that the Union Home Minister should issue a strong message to the Kuki terrorists to release the two youths.

The abduction and confinement of the two in captivity is purely an act of terrorism, it said.

The All Manipur Nupi Marup further asserted that the rescue of only one of three youths by the Army has raised suspicion.

"They were together when they were abducted.

Rescuing only one of them is highly suspicious," it said.

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