In a shocking turn of events in Manipur, a video has gone viral showing two men from the Meitei community pleading for help from Chief Minister N Biren Singh after allegedly being kidnapped by “Kuki militants.” The incident underscores the ongoing ethnic tensions and violence in the state, which has already claimed over 220 lives and displaced nearly 50,000 people.
The video features the two men, dressed in white T-shirts, urgently asking CM Singh to “save our lives” while also requesting that he comply with their captors’ demands. In response, Singh convened a meeting with all MLAs to address the escalating situation and to discuss measures for the safe rescue of the hostages.
“Our government condemns such heinous acts and is committed to securing the release of the victims,” Singh stated in posts on X and Facebook, highlighting the urgent need for action. Three men from Thoubal district had gone missing while en route to the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) recruitment test at Keithelmanbi, with only one, identified as Ningombam Johnson Singh, having been rescued by security forces. Johnson reportedly sustained injuries during his ordeal, with his family sharing that he had multiple bruises and a hand injury requiring bandaging.
The two missing men, Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh, have had their parents appealing on social media for their safe return. Sources suggest that the kidnappers may have demanded the release of Mark Thangmang Haokip, a 39-year-old man arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on charges related to attempting to create an “independent Government of the People’s Democratic Republic of Kukiland.”
Manipur Congress MP A Bimol Akoijam criticized the situation, asserting that rescuing the hostages is the state’s sole responsibility. He condemned the act of holding innocent citizens hostage and using media appeals as a tactic of terror. “The state should show that it’s not complicit in this protracted violence by acting against such terror tactics,” Akoijam wrote on X.
The ethnic conflict in Manipur primarily pits the Meitei community against the Kuki tribes, with the former seeking inclusion under the Scheduled Tribes category and the latter advocating for a separate administration. The historical tensions have been exacerbated by competing claims over resources and political power, leading to tragic consequences for both communities.
As the state grapples with these issues, the rescue of the two men remains a critical concern for both local authorities and the affected families. The ongoing violence highlights the need for dialogue and resolution to prevent further escalation and protect innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
Sources By Agencies