Manipur DGP asked to secure release of two kidnapped youths: CM Biren Singh
Imphal (PTI): Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said the director general of police has been asked to secure the release of two of the three youths who were allegedly abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district three days ago.
The government is discharging its duties to secure their release, he said.
"It is a very unfortunate incident. Of the three youths, one was released while the two others are still in the hands of militants. The Centre and the state government are in touch to ensure the safe release of the two youths. We are engaging in talks now," Singh told reporters on the sidelines of the 128th birth anniversary of Jana Neta Hijam Irabot.
Hijam Irabot was a legendary leader known for his contributions to the social, political and economic development of Manipur.
Accompanied by his two friends, N. Johnson Singh, who was rescued by the army, went for the SSC GD recruitment test for central forces at New Keithelmanbi in Manipur's Imphal West district but took a wrong turn, ending up in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, a police officer said.
The three, who hail from Thoubal district, were allegedly abducted by armed men in Kangpokpi, a police officer said.
"The DGP himself has gone to the place to have talks (with abductors). We believe that there will be a positive outcome.
"They have made some demands...But the government is trying to release the two youths unconditionally," Singh said.
Security forces in Manipur are making all-out efforts to trace the two missing youths, police said.
Speaking on the birth anniversary of the social reformer, Singh said, "I want to share my greetings to the people of the country on the occasion. We should strive to make the state based on the foundations of his teachings and works."
Taking to X, he later said, "Attended the observance of Jana Neta Hijam Irawat (Irabot) Day, 2024 at Irawat (Irabot) Square, Lilashing Khongnangkhong, Thangmeiband, Imphal today. Irawat was a visionary leader who spearheaded campaigns to uplift the people with socio-economic reforms. His fight against religious exploitation & economic oppression shall continue to inspire us for generations."
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Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
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The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
