Imphal, Sept 28: One of the three Meitei youths abducted by suspected militants while traveling to attend the SSC GD recruitment at New Keithelmanbi has been rescued by the Army. The youths had gone missing yesterday around 3 PM, after losing contact with their families.
The rescued individual, Ningombam Johnson Singh, hailing from Thoubal Khekman Maning Leikai, has been handed over to the Imphal West police. However, the other two youths, Oinam Thoithoi Singh from Thoubal Leishangthem Awang Leikai and Thokchom Thoithoiba Singh from Thoubal Khekman Wangmataba Mayai Leikai, remain missing. Police traced the last mobile signal from the trio to Kanglatombi, suggesting they might have taken the wrong route, possibly guided by Google Maps.
Although Johnson has been rescued, his family has not yet been able to meet him. Police indicated that he had been taken to New Keithelmanbi to attend the recruitment test, and the other two missing youths were accompanying him for the same event.
There were also reports on social media from Kuki groups claiming responsibility for capturing three Meitei youths, intensifying concerns among the families and community.
In response to the situation, a public meeting was held at Thoubal Khekman Jila Keithel, where a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed. The committee submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal District, demanding immediate action to rescue the two remaining youths.
L. Subol, Convenor of the Peace and Relief Committee, later met with the Additional Superintendent of Police and confirmed the youths were headed to an Army recruitment event when the incident occurred. While relieved that one youth was rescued, he called for an urgent meeting between Johnson and his family and stressed the need to expedite efforts to locate the two missing individuals.