The two Meitei men who were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants on 27th September 2024 were handed over to the Manipur Police early today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced on X. In his post, Singh also appreciated “everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return.”
Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi were allegedly abducted when they were travelling to New Keithelmanbi in Kangpokpi District for a recruitment exam. It was claimed that the militants had demanded for the release for Kuki activist, Mark T Haokip, who is in judicial custody of the National Investigation Agency since May 2022.
However, on 2nd October 2024, the family of Haokip said that they had no knowledge of “discussion for a proposed swapping” and urged the people and communities of Manipur not to “sensationalise the situation”. “…. The case of Dr. Mark T. Haokip is subjudice and any recourse has to be taken through legal means”, the clarification stated.
Further, it is also being claimed that the abducted youth were let go in exchange for the release of eleven Kuki prisoners. However, according to the Imphal Free Press, the prisoners were granted bail a month ago but remained in jail due to “inadequate escort arrangements”.