Peeved over failure to secure release of abducted youths...Thoubal calls 48 hours bandh
Source: The Sangai Express

Thoubal, September 30 2024: Deeply angered by the Government's failure to secure the release of two Meitei youths abducted by armed Kuki militants, the people of Thoubal have called a 48-hour general strike in the district.

The general strike will start from 3 am tomorrow.

The Asian Highway No 1, all shops and services except medical and religious rituals will remain shut for 48 hours.

The two youths who are in captivity of the armed Kuki militants are Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh.

Notably, three youths including the two and one Ngangom Johnson were abducted by Kuki militants on September 27 when they apparently lost their way while following Google Map on their phone.

Peeved over failure to secure release of abducted youths...Thoubal calls 48 hours bandh

They were heading to the 33 Assam Rifles camp at New Keithelmanbi for appearing in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) General Duty recruitment test.

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.

Keisam Yaiphaba, co-convenor of the JAC, formed in connection with the abduction, said the decision to impose the 48-hour general strike from tomorrow was taken after the Government failed to secure the release of the two youths today.

Members of the JAC met Chief Minister N Biren Singh today where they were assured that the DGP and high ranking officers of the Assam Rifles have gone to Kangpokpi to secure the release of the two youths.

The JAC members, on the other hand, served 7 pm (September 30) as the deadline to rescue the two youths.

Meanwhile, the general strike will begin from 3 am tomorrow (October 1) and it will exempt only medical services and religious rituals and processions.

All other services will be restricted, said Keisam Yaiphaba, the co-convenor of the JAC.

Today, widespread protest demonstrations were held in Thoubal demanding safe release of the two youths.

Meira Paibis and locals thronged the Asian Highway 1 at Thoubal Mela Ground and sat in the middle of the road.

The demonstration took place following a declaration by the JAC that it would hold agitation in case the youths were not released by 1 pm (September 30) .

Kshetri Leikai Apunba Meira Paibi and Tarukhongnang Youth Association Thoubal Kshetri Leikai staged a sit-in at Kshetri Leikai Tarukhongnang.

Later Meira Paibis from different sides converged at Thoubal Mela Ground and blocked the Highway.

Thoubal Bazar downed shutters for the day and women vendors took part in the agitation.