Northeast Desk, 1st October: The Meitei Heritage Society has voiced serious concerns regarding the abduction of two Meitei youths, Th. Thoithoiba Singh and *O. Thoithoi Singh, who are reportedly in the custody of **Kuki militants. Reports suggest that the militants are demanding the release of *Mark Haokip, a Kuki secessionist leader arrested for waging war against the Indian state, as a precondition for the youths’ release.
This incident marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing conflict, as it represents the first instance of civilians being taken hostage under such circumstances. Previously, both sides had engaged in humanitarian gestures, releasing civilians who inadvertently crossed into their territories.
The two youths were reportedly abducted while accompanying *N. Johnson Singh, who was en route to an *SSC GD recruitment test in *New Keithelmanbi, Imphal West district, on *September 27. While Johnson was later released, the whereabouts of Thoithoiba and Thoithoi remain uncertain.
The Meitei Heritage Society commended the Kuki militants for their decision to release Johnson and recognized the efforts of Central and State security forces working towards securing the safe return of the abducted youths. The Society has appealed to the Kuki community and various civil society organizations to intervene and facilitate the unconditional release of Thoithoiba and Thoithoi.
In their statement, the Society emphasized, “Such dangerous activities need to be nipped in the bud before they set a dangerous precedent.” They highlighted the importance of adhering to humanitarian principles and fostering trust between the Meitei and Kuki communities to reduce violence in the region.
With the abduction of these two youths, the number of Meiteis currently unaccounted for has risen to 33. Many families of the previously missing individuals have already conducted presumed dead ceremonies, adding to the urgency and gravity of the situation. The community calls for immediate action to ensure the safe return of Thoithoiba and Thoithoi, hoping to avert further escalation of the conflict.
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