The AMUCO, Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba Manipur and All Manipur Women’s Voluntary Association on Sunday declared that security advisor, DGP, Central Forces and the Indian government shall be held responsible if anything happens to the youths who have been taken hostage by suspected Kuki militants.
Three Meitei youths who went to attend the SSC GD recruitment physical fitness test at 9-Sector Assam Rifles in Keithelmanbi went missing before a disturbing video showing two youths, suspected to have been kept hostage by suspected Kuki militants went viral on social media.
One of the three missing individuals has been rescued. The three had lost contact with their families around 3 pm on Saturday.
Speaking to the media AMUCO office in Imphal West, its president Nando Luwang questioned what role the Indian government’s role has played in the rescue efforts. It is truly unfortunate that the Central forces are unable to rescue the youths who are taken hostage in the Indian soil, he said. “Why are the central forces unable to rescue them? What is the Indian government, Home Minister Amit Shah doing?” he asked.
ALSO READ: Johnson appeals for release of friends
The video which showed the two youths seeking help to rescue them went viral after it surfaced on social media.
“Nowhere in the world, there are such incidents of abducting innocent citizens and making demands to the government,” Nando said, adding that it is an act of terrorism.
If the central forces know the whereabouts of youths, why have they failed to rescue them, he asked.
“If anything happens to youths, then there will be a massive protest from the public. Security Advisor, DGP, Central forces and the Indian government should take responsibility,” Nando said, demanding that the youths be rescued and handed over to family members as soon as possible.
He also announced that the status report of efforts being undertaken by Kangpokpi SP and Assam Rifles to rescue them should be disclosed to the public.
ALSO READ: Holding civilians hostage is act of terror: Bimol Akoijam
One of the three Meitei youths of Thoubal district was handed over by the Army to Imphal West district police after being reportedly rescued.
As per sources, the trio were identified as Ningombam Johnson, 25, son of N Sanjoy of Khekman Maning Leikai, Oinam Thoithoi, 27, son of O.Yaima of Leishangthem Awang Leikai and Thokchom Thoithoi, 27, son of Th Ibotombi of Khekman Wangmataba Maning Leikai.
They reportedly traveled to Keithelmanbi on an Enfield Motorcycle of Th Thoithoiba on Friday around 2.30 pm to attend the recruitment examination scheduled for Saturday.
Out of the three, only Johnson was the candidate for SSC general duty examination to be conducted at Keithelmanbi, while the other two accompanied him.
Later that night, Assam Rifles of Kangpokpi district discreetly handed N Johnson over to the Imphal Police Station, as per sources. In an unexpected turn, Johnson was taken to the 9-Sector Assam Rifles in Nongchup Keithelmanbi to provide a statement and was subsequently held at the Imphal Police Station, sources said.
Sources indicated that the trio used Google Maps to navigate to Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi district but were abducted at Gamgiphai, instead of New Keithelmanbi in Imphal West district.
