2 Meitei youth kidnapped in Manipur released in exchange for Kuki prisoners

The two Meitei youths, kidnapped last week by Kuki militants, were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi on Thursday morning.

In Short

• Two Meitei youths kidnapped by Kukis released unharmed
• 11 Kuki undertrial prisoners released in exchange
• Manipur Chief Minister appreciates efforts for safe return.

Two Meitei youths, who were allegedly abducted by Kuki militants on September 27, were released unharmed early Thursday morning.

Thokchom Thoithoiba and Oinam Thoithoi were handed over to the Superintendent of Police in Kangpokpi at around 5 AM. Both youths had been missing for nearly a week. A series of negotiations involving both central and state officials were involved in securing their release, an official said.

The two reached Imphal safely escorted by state police and Assam Rifles, police said. "Their family members are also at the police station and the youths will be soon handed over to family members."

Their release coincided with the release of 11 Kuki undertrial prisoners from the Sajiwa jail on the outskirts of the State's capital Imphal. Those eleven were handed over to Saparmeina PS at 2 AM past night, before the two abducted youth were handed over to police, said police.

The 11 prisoners were set for release on bail a month back but were held up due to a lack of adequate escort arrangements, according to the police.

It was one of several preconditions set by the abductors, although the police claimed they were in prison despite getting bail because of the conflict situation.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh in a post on social media said, "The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi on September 27 have been safely released."

Singh said, "I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are deeply valued."

With PTI inputs