CSOs ask Delhi, Imphal to rescue hostages at all costs ‘No tangible efforts to save two youths seen’

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Oct 1: As many as 19 CSOs have asked both the Central Government and the State Government to make all efforts to rescue the two hostages who are currently in the custody of Kuki militants.
The 19 CSOs include AMKIL, Nupi Samaj, Tammi-Chingmi, NLANL, ANUL Bishnupur, NIMPAL, Thoubal Ima, Macha Leima, EECHAL, EEVFAM, Khwairamband Nupi Keithel Semgat Sagat Lup, Khwairamband Phouoibi Ima Keithel Women Vendors Welfare Association, Paona Keithel Women’s Welfare Organisation, UPF Manipur, NIPCO, MAPI Council, CADA ad AMPFA.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today, Nupi Samaj president Thokchom Ramani, speaking on behalf of the 19 CSOs, said that the Government must rescue the two youths without any further delay.
Whereas the Government of India has little respect for the Government of Manipur, neither the Centre nor the State Government  has done anything tangible    so far to rescue the hostages, she said.
“We have been tolerating the domineering attitude and autocratic activities of the Government of India for so long. Now our tolerance has worn out”, she said.
Ramani who is now 95 years old said that there is no guarantee people will not demand what they want.    
Notably, three youths who went to take part in a general duty recruitment conducted by the Staff Selection Commission at 9th Sector Assam Rifles headquarters, New Keithelmanbi on September 27 were captured by Kuki militants.
While one of them was set free, the Kuki militants have been keeping the other two as hostages.
It is suspected that Ningombam Johnson, Oi-nam Thoithoi and Thok- chom Thoithoiba went to Kangpokpi district’s Keithelmanbi after crossing Awang Sekmai instead of New Keithelmanbi.
While Johnson has been released, Thoithoi and Thoithoiba are still held captive by Kuki militants.
AMKIL president Lourembam Nganbi questioned what the Central Government and the State Government have been doing all these days since the two youths were held captive.
Pointing out that the two youths did not go for sightseeing or on pleasure trips, Nganbi said that the army should take responsibility if anything tragic happens to the two youths.
She said that the army should rescue the two youths without any further delay.
The Kuki militants’ demand to exchange the two hostages with Mark T Haokip who is currently in NIA custody is an act of terrorism, she said.