48-hr Thoubal bandh called to protest abduction
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 30 2024: The Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the abduction of three Meetei youths on their way to an SSC GD army recruitment programme at New Keithelmanbi, has declared imposition of a 48-hour bandh in Thoubal district from 3 am Tuesday.

As announced by JAC convenor L Subol earlier that failure to rescue the two remaining youths by 1 pm on Monday would prompt launch of democratic form of protest, sit-in protests were staged at Thoubal Mela Ground and Thoubal Kshetri Leikai on Monday.

Mention may be made that of the three youths abducted by Kuki militants, Ningombam Johnson was rescued and reunited with his family on Sunday.

However, two others namely Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba are still in captivity.

At Thoubal Mela Ground, people from different localities protested state government's inability to secure the duo's release.

Later, the demonstrators blocked NH-102 near Melaground Lamkhai, as Thoubal market vendors joined the agitation, leading to closure of the market.

Meanwhile, after a meeting between the JAC representatives and the chief minister on Monday afternoon, convenor Subol said the chief minister confided that DGP, IGAR (S), and other top security officials are in Kangpokpi regarding the incident.

The chief minister urged them to wait for few more hours, assuring that the two youths would be rescued.

On the other-hand, JAC co-convenor Keisam Yaiphabi, who is also the spokesperson for Leishangthem Apunba Meira Paibi, reasoned the denizens blocked the national highway to denounce the abduction.

She urged both state and central governments to locate the abducted duo and ensure their safe return so as to end anxiety and suffering of the parents.

Yaiphabi further stated that Thoubal denizens will ensure no unwanted incidents happen till 7pm Monday in respect of the assurance given by the chief minister.

However, if the chief minister does not keep his promise, the JAC will resort to intense protests, including enforcing the 48-hour Thoubal bandh from 3 am Tuesday.

She also urged all to support the agitation launched by the JAC.

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