Single word from Shah can free youths : AMUCO

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Sep 29 : The All Manipur United Clubs’ Organisation (AMUCO) has asserted that a single word from Union Home Minister Amit Shah can secure release of the two Meitei youths who have been captured by Kukis.
Speaking to media persons at their Kwakeithel office today, AMUCO president Ph Nando Luwang said that two out of three youths from Thoubal who went to attend an army recruitment rally at Keithelmanbi (Kangpokpi side) on September 28 were taken hostage by Kukis while the other was set free.
He said that the Government of India’s inaction on keeping two Meitei youths as hostage by a group of Kukis is rather disappointing.
Oinam Thoithoi Singh (22) of Thoubal Leishang-them Awang Leikai, Thok- chom Thoithoiba Singh (26) of Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai and Ningombam Johnson Singh (25) of Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai went to attend an army recruitment rally but they were captured by a group of Kukis from Keithelmanbi area of Kangpokpi side.
Although Ningombam Johnson has been rescued, security forces were unable to rescue Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba till the time of filing this report.
Nando Luwang decried the failure of the Government and security forces to rescue the two youths even after knowing that they have been taken captives by a group of Kukis.
Saying that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is aware that two Meitei youths have been taken hostages by a group of Kukis since September 28, 2024, the AMUCO president asserted that the Government of India’s failure to secure safe release  of its citizens when they are kept as hostages within India is a manifestation of its weakness or inefficiency.
Categorically stating that a single word from Amit Shah can secure safe release of the two Meitei youths, Nando Luwang questioned the implications of the Union Home Minister’s complete silence on the matter.
AMUCO vehemently condemns the failure of both Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh to take up strong measures to trace and rescue the two Meitei youths, he said.
He asserted that Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Security Advisor Kuldiep Singh and DGP Rajiv Singh should be held accountable if the two hostages get killed.
The Government of India ought to take serious note of keeping its own citizens as hostages within its territory, he said.
Noting that several posts which claimed that the two youths have been rescued by Assam Rifles and they would be handed over to their families were circulated widely on social media on Saturday, Nando said that the place where the two Meitei youths are being held captive is surrounded by security forces.
Asking if the reports that the Kukis have placed certain demands before the Government in exchange of the two hostages are true, the AMUCO president pointed out there was hardly any such precedent of making demands to the Government after taking innocent civilians as hostages.
Making demands to the Government by taking youths who went to attend army recruitment as hostages is an act of terrorism, he asserted.
What is even more worrying is the fact that this act of terrorism is being committed not far away from the places where Central forces are present, he added.
Nando went on to claim that the Central security forces know exactly where the Kukis are keeping the two youths as hostages.  
The people of Manipur want to know whether Union Home Minister Amit Shah has any intention to keep Manipur burning.
The AMUCO president asserted that the Union Home Minister, the Security Advisor and the DGP must take the responsibility of securing the safe release of the two innocent youths.
Saying that AR officers and the Kangpokpi SP must join hands to rescue the innocent youths, he asked what steps they have taken up so far to rescue the two youths.
He urged the Government of India, Central security forces, the Security Advisor and the DGP to refrain from all activities which may escalate violence in Manipur.