11 Kuki undertrial prisoners were released early this morning at the Saparmeina Police Station. Sources indicate that these prisoners were initially set for bail release a month ago but were unable to leave due to a lack of proper escort arrangements. In a related incident, two youths, Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi, who had been abducted by suspected Kuki militants in the Kangpokpi district on September 27, were also released today after nearly a week in captivity. They were handed over to the Superintendent of Police around 5 AM.
Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh confirmed the youths’ safe return in a post on the microblogging site X, expressing gratitude to those involved in their recovery. He stated, “The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi have been safely brought back to the custody of Manipur Police. I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return.” Local sources suggest that negotiations between community leaders and authorities may have facilitated the release of the youths. However, officials have yet to provide details regarding their health and the circumstances of their abduction.
Prior to their release, on October 2, Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam urgently appealed to Home Minister Amit Shah for the youths’ safe return. The abduction and the delayed release of the Kuki prisoners highlight the ongoing communal violence that has plagued Manipur since May 2023. The abduction took place when three young men from Thoubal district were on their way to New Keithelmanbi for an SSC GD recruitment test. While one youth was rescued by the Assam Rifles, Oinam Thoithoi and Thoithoiba remained in captivity until their release this morning, raising further questions about the safety and security in the region.
