Militant outfits forcibly recruiting students in Manipur

Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of missing children in the northeastern states. It is observed that underground outfits have been forcibly abducting and recruiting children to strengthen their cadres.

Recently, two college students in Manipur were abducted by suspected militants when they were in Moreh town on a study tour.

17-year-old Seram Romson and his friend Sukham Bidyashore have been missing since January 10.

Both are students of Biramangol College in Imphal East district, and had gone to Moreh, near the Myanmar border, on a study tour along with other students.

Sources said three students, including Romson and Bidyashore, had crossed the international border and were in Myanmar. One student, who returned from Myanmar, revealed that they had been kidnapped by members of the banned KCP outfit.

The family members of the youths are in shock.

"We don't know how it exactly happened. He had left for his college tour. At late night one of his friend's parents came and informed us that he was missing. This is really sad and we strongly condemn such incidents," said Nganthoi Devi, victim's aunt.

"We are very depressed. My grandson is very young and innocent. Everyone knows that he is studying and is very innocent. We are very upset with this," added S. Itobi Singh, victim's grandfather

The police picked up two persons, identified as Laishram Meiteingamba and Irom Yaiphaba, who are suspected to be behind the abductions.

In the recent years, militant outfits in the Northeast have been facing a shortage of cadres as many have joined the peace process and laid down their arms.

As a result, they have been increasingly abducting children and forcibly recruiting them into their outfits.