Centre must intervene to release missing youths: Ibobi
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 30 2024: Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader Okram Ibobi Singh has said that two missing Meetei youths, who are reportedly in the custody of armed Kukis, could be released with relative ease if the Centre intervenes and the state government pressurises the Centre for early intervention.

As chief guest of the 128th birth anniversary celebration of Hijam Irabot held at Manipur Dramatic Union hall at Yaiskul Police Lane organised by Jananeta Hijam Irabot Birthday Celebration Committee, Ibobi said one of the three youths from Thoubal district, who went missing after they lost their way en-route to the SSC-GD recruitment exam at New Keithelmanbi, has been rescued by the Assam Rifles while two others remain in captivity.

Noting that in addition to battalions of Assam Rifles already deployed, the Centre despatched thousands of additional paramilitary force personnel to assist the state government maintain law and order, the former chief minister reasoned that it is the responsibility of the Central paramilitary forces to ask the abductors release the missing youths and also remind the captors that their act would be detrimental to initiatives for return of peace in the state.

While stating that state government must act swiftly for intervention of the Centre to secure release of the two youths, Ibobi said he has high expectation of safe release of the two if the Centre, especially the Union home minister, intervenes.

The same has already been placed to incumbent chief minister N Biren Singh, he claimed.

Regarding the event, he called Hijam Irabot a visionary leader and that his views and thoughts are applicable perfectly in the present time.

The people of Manipur honour Hijam Irabot to realise his objectives and follow the idea of Manipur he envisioned, Ibobi Singh said expressing that he is elated to offer floral tribute the legendary leader.

MPCC president K Meghachandra, who also attended the event, said Hijam Irabot was a precious leader for the people of Manipur who strived to uplift the society in every aspect.

Irabot was a great leader who thought for the welfare of farmers and poor people and the 'Lamyanba' title accorded to him itself underscores his value, he maintained.

Regarding unrest situation besieging the state, Meghachandra said it is responsibility of the government to resolve the crisis and explore all provisions under the Constitution of India to end the violence instead of using brute force.

Nevertheless, contribution from every section of the society is required to address the crisis as peace will definitely return when people work collectively, he added.

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