2 youths held captive in Manipur’s Kangpokpi released after week-long abduction

NEW DELHI: Two youths held hostage by armed men in Manipur's Kangpokpi district have been released after seven days.
According to the officials, the youths, Oinam Thoithoi Singh and Th Thoithoiba Singh, were handed over to the police on Thursday morning and are now being taken back to Imphal.
The incident began on September 27 when the two youths, along with another individual, N Johnson Singh, were traveling to New Keithelmanbi for a recruitment test.They lost their way in Kangpokpi district. While the army rescued Johnson and handed him over to the police, the other two remained captive
The state government, aided by the Centre, engaged in negotiations to secure their release.
Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh confirmed the release on social media. "The two young men abducted in Kangpokpi on September 27 have been safely released," Singh said. He added, "I sincerely appreciate everyone from both the state and central government who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. Your efforts are deeply valued."