Imphal: One of the three youths who went missing while en route to a recruitment test for central forces in Manipur’s Imphal West has been rescued, according to security personnel. N. Johnson Singh, one of the missing youths, was found safe and handed over to the police by the army on Sunday. However, efforts are ongoing to locate the other two youths, identified as Th. Thoithoiba Singh and O. Thoithoi Singh.

Youths went missing after taking wrong turn
The three youths, all from Thoubal district, were on their way to participate in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) GD recruitment test. However, they accidentally took a wrong turn and ended up in the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district, where they went missing.

Plea to Chief Minister goes viral
A viral video surfaced on Sunday showing the two missing youths appealing to Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for help, urging for their release. In response, the Chief Minister convened a meeting with both ruling and opposition legislators to discuss the situation and formulate a plan to rescue the youths. However, the authenticity of the video remains in question.

Government condemns abduction, pledges action
Chief Minister Singh took to social media to address the issue, stating, "Held a meeting with all the MLAs from both the ruling and opposition parties at my secretariat today. We addressed the current situation, focusing on the abduction of two innocent youths by Kuki militants. We condemn such heinous acts, and our government is working to secure their safe release."

Public meeting and JAC formation
In light of the abduction, a public meeting was held on Saturday, during which a Joint Action Committee (JAC) was formed. The JAC later submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Thoubal, urging immediate and decisive action for the safe return of the remaining two youths. PTI