HT Digital
Friday, October 4: In a significant development, two Meitei youths abducted in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district were finally released following days of intense negotiations, bringing relief to their families and the region. The two men, who had gone missing on September 27 after inadvertently entering Kangpokpi, a Kuki-Zo majority district, were freed after top-level officials engaged in careful discussions with the abductors. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed the successful release on Thursday, expressing his gratitude to both state and central authorities who played a critical role in securing the safe return of the hostages.
In a message shared on the social media platform X, the Chief Minister acknowledged the coordinated efforts of government agencies and officials: “I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are deeply valued.” This statement comes after days of tension and uncertainty surrounding the fate of the young men, who had been in captivity in a region already fraught with unrest and ethnic conflict.
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The three individuals—Ningombam Johnson Singh, Oinam Thoithoi Singh, and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh—were all residents of Thoubal district, located in Manipur’s valley region. The trio was reportedly taken hostage after entering Kangpokpi, which has been a focal point of ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities. While Johnson Singh was released soon after being captured on the same day, the other two were held captive, prompting alarm across the state. A disturbing video surfaced on the evening of September 28, featuring the two remaining hostages pleading with the Manipur government, led by Biren Singh, to fulfill the demands of their captors in order to secure their release.
As the video gained traction and public concern grew, the Manipur government quickly sprang into action. By September 30, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rajiv Singh, was dispatched to Kangpokpi to take charge of the negotiations. His involvement underscored the seriousness of the situation, as the abduction occurred during an already volatile period marked by ethnic violence and mistrust between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.
Although speculation arose regarding the demands of the abductors, the only confirmed request acknowledged by both sides was the transfer of Kuki-Zomi inmates from the central jail in Sajiwa, located in Imphal, to a prison facility in the hill areas of the state. Reports also circulated suggesting that one of the primary demands was for the release of Mark Haokip, a figure who was arrested in 2022 under accusations of being a secessionist pushing for a separate Kuki nation. Haokip’s alleged involvement in secessionist activities has made him a controversial figure, and his release was rumored to be a point of contention during the negotiations. However, the government has not officially confirmed this as a demand.
The ordeal drew the attention of political figures outside the immediate sphere of the Manipur government as well. On Wednesday, Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Bimol Akoijam, wrote to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, denouncing the abduction as an “act of terrorism.” In his letter, Akoijam highlighted the gravity of the situation, calling for decisive action at the national level to address the ongoing security concerns in Manipur. The incident has added fuel to the already simmering tensions between various communities in the state, prompting many to urge both the central and state governments to find long-term solutions to the unrest.
The release of the two Meitei youths, while a relief to their families, does not mark the end of the challenges facing Manipur. The abduction is emblematic of the deep-rooted ethnic conflicts that have plagued the state for years, and such incidents continue to undermine peace efforts. The negotiations required to secure the release of the hostages, though successful, have highlighted the delicate nature of the situation in Manipur. The region remains vulnerable to violence, with communities increasingly polarized along ethnic lines.
The state government’s decision to negotiate for the release of the hostages is seen by many as a necessary step in preventing further escalation. However, it also raises concerns about how similar incidents will be handled in the future, especially as groups continue to push their own demands, often using hostages as leverage. The Manipur government, in cooperation with the central authorities, will likely face increased pressure to address these broader issues of governance, law enforcement, and the restoration of peace in the region.
As the situation in Manipur remains fragile, the safe return of the two young men will no doubt provide a moment of relief, but the state continues to grapple with significant challenges that threaten its stability. The government’s response to such crises will play a pivotal role in determining the future course of peace and reconciliation efforts in this troubled region.
