Northeast

Johnson appeals for release of friends

Ningombam Johnson Singh, who was rescued by the Assam Rifles, appealed to the Kuki militants to release the remaining two persons on the grounds of humanity.

ByIFP Bureau

Updated 1 Oct 2024, 1:26 am

(PHOTO: IFP)
(PHOTO: IFP)

Ningombam Johnson Singh who had been rescued after being abducted by suspected Kuki militants on Sunday appealed to the Kuki militants to release the remaining two persons on the grounds of humanity.

He made the appeal before the media on Sunday after reuniting with his family at Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai Ningthibi khong in Thoubal district.

Johnson along with Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi who went to attend the SSC GD recruitment physical fitness test at 9-Sector Assam Rifles in Keithelmanbi went missing on Friday. He was rescued by the Assam Rifles.

The family members picked him from Imphal Police station around 2 pm on Sunday, as per sources. After reaching home, Johnson interacted with several organisations and his relatives regarding his abduction and rescue.

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He told the media that he went to Nongchup Keithelmanbi with Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoibaga for the recruitment by riding a bullet. They lost their way while using Google Maps and reached a Kuki area.

They were stopped by Kuki womenfolk who questioned where they were going. Some armed individuals arrived, after which they were blindfolded and taken to a camp located at a hill. He said he was kept separately from the two youths.

He was further taken while still blindfolded to a different place where he was warned that he would be shot if he tried to run. An Assam Rifles team arrived after sometime and rescued him afterwards. He said he was later handed over to Awang Sekmai Police, he said.

Ningombam Johnson, 25, son of N Sanjoy of Khekman Maning Leikai was en route to the SSC GD recruitment at 9-Sector Assam Rifles at Nongchup Keithelmanbi with his two companion Oinam Thoithoi, 27, son of O Yaima of Leishangthem Awang Leikai and Thokchom Thoithoiba, 27, son of Th Ibotombi of Khekman Wangmataba Maning Leikai on an Enfield Motorcycle.

They mistakenly navigated to Awang Keithelmanbi instead of their intended destination and were abducted by suspected Kuki militants.

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Assam Rifles safely rescued N Johnson who is going to take part in the SSC GD recruitment and handed over to Imphal Police Station on the evening of September 27.

He later provided his statement at 33 Assam Rifles stationed at 9-Sector and transferred back to the police station. After being held overnight for questioning at the police station, he was released on Sunday and handed over to his family members.

Meanwhile, our Thoubal correspondent has added that a public meeting was convened on Sunday at Angou Khongbal Community Hall in Leisangthem Awang Leikai over the abduction of three individuals.

The public meeting adopted resolution to appeal the state government for the safe rescue of Oinam Thoithoi, 27, son of Yaima of Leisangthem Awang leikai and Thokchom Thoithoiba, 27, son of Ibotombi of Khekman Maning leikai. They also sought support from people to rescue the two individuals. Grief-stricken parents appealed to relevant groups for the safe release of their children.
 

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First published:

Tags:

manipurkuki militantskidnappingaductionhostageNingombam Johnson Singh

IFP Bureau

IFP Bureau

IMPHAL, Manipur

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