Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said Director General of Police Rajiv Singh has been sent to broker some form of negotiations as the centre and state government continues efforts to rescue two youths held captive by suspected Kuki militants.
While speaking to media at the sidelines of a major state function called “Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Day”, visibly disturbed CM Biren Singh said the state government is taking all efforts to rescue two Meitei youths held captive since September 27. He said out of three abducted youths, one has already been rescued and efforts are on to rescue the remaining two.
He said the central and the state governments are communicating day and night to rescue the two captive youths without any harm. Biren said while negotiations are continuing with the abductors, the state and central government are constantly in touch.
While appealing to the families of the victims, Biren Singh asked for some patience for the time being as DGP is already sent and negotiations are continuing. He said the efforts are on to make the release of two captives without any condition and he is confident of positive results.
Every effort from the side of the state government, some of which cannot be revealed to the media, has been taken up so far, he added. He said while there is no clarity as to the demands made by the abductors, however, on earlier occasions they asked for shifting of some prison inmates to different locations. However, Biren Singh asserted at the moment the efforts are on to ensure the release of two youths without any condition.
It can be mentioned that the abductors released a video of the two youths on Sunday where the victims made direct appeals to the CM Biren to ensure their safety by agreeing to the demands made by the abductors. Meanwhile, social media is flooded with victims’ families and well wishers making appeals for safe release of two abducted youths.
Talking about Irawat Day, CM Biren said it is the 128th birth anniversary of the imminent leader and extended his wishes to people of the state. He said the ideals of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat are still living and the ultimate aim is to build the state as imagined by the visionary leader.
CM Biren led a solemn floral tribute to Jana Neta Hijam Irawat Square in Imphal West, on Monday.
The event was attended by cabinet ministers, members of Parliament, MLAs, and senior civil and police officials.
