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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Supreme Court orders status quo on Assam demolition drive
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has directed a status quo on the proposed evictions and demolitions in Assam’s Sonapur. A Bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued a notice on a contempt petition challenging the demolitions and directed the State government to respond within three weeks.
The plea was filed by forty-eight residents who argued that the demolition drive was in violation of the Supreme Court's recent interim order against the use of bulldozers for demolishing properties of individuals suspected of criminal activities without prior permission.
Sonapur, located on the outskirts of Guwahati within the Kamrup Metro district, has recently witnessed a series of eviction notices issued by the district administration, which classified several residents as ‘illegal occupiers’ or ‘encroachers’ on tribal lands.
The contempt plea, filed through advocate Adeel Ahmed, stated that the houses were marked for demolition without any prior notice or hearing. The petitioners argued that they hold rights over the land through a power of attorney, and that their families have resided there since the 1920s, prior to the establishment of protected tribal belts in the area. They also submitted that they possess utility facilities, ration cards, Aadhaar cards, and voter ID cards based on their residency.
The residents further contended that the proposed demolitions are in breach of an undertaking recorded before the Gauhati High Court, which granted them interim protection. They have sought contempt proceedings against officials for violating court orders and urged the Supreme Court to halt the eviction process.
Senior Advocate Huzefa Ahmadi appeared on behalf of the petitioners, while the plea was drafted by advocates Abdur Razzaque Bhuyan, Sana Parveen, and Arijeet Baruah.
