Manipur: 20 Kuki inmates released in exchange for two abducted Meitei youths

Imphal: Two Meitei youths who were abducted by Kuki militants on September 27 were released on Thursday morning at Kangpokpi district.

After seven days of negotiations, 20 Kuki inmates in jail for various crimes were also released.

Assam Rifles personnel helped in the final negotiation. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren discussed the matter with opposition leaders O Ibobi and Congress President K Meghachandra about the matter.

CM sent DGP Rajiv Singh twice to hold talks with the abductors.

Meanwhile, COTU, an organisation based in Kangpokpi, said it helped in the negotiation.

Three youths who were going to attend an army recruitment of SSC GD at New Keithelmanbi had lost way and reached a Kuki dominated area.

A massive manhunt was launched, following which one Johnson Singh of Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai was rescued. Two youths identified as Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba of Thoubal were in the custody of Kuki militants.

Over 31 persons, including children, who entered Kuki areas are still missing in Manipur after the crisis started on 3 May 2023.