• Source:JND
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Manipur Violence: Amid tensions in Manipur’s Imphal West following the disappearance of 56-year-old man Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, the army launched a search for him. The man disappeared after he went to work at the Leimakhong Military Station on Monday. Kamalbabu is a supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at Leimakhong Military Station.

Singh did menial jobs at the Leimakhong Army Camp, located 16 km away from Imphal and surrounded by Kuki-dominated areas. On Tuesday morning, several women staged roadblocks, demanding information regarding the whereabouts of Singh.

According to Singh’s family, his phone was switched off around 2 pm on the day he disappeared. The police said that a joint search operation by the police and the central forces is underway for him. 

What Did The Manipur CM Say? 

Meanwhile, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Tuesday said that a zero FIR has been filed in connection with the case and the police concerned are in touch with army authorities to locate the missing person.

"Today, a very unfortunate accident occurred, but not yet confirmed - one person from Loitang Khunou is missing. As per the report available to me, he went inside the Army campus for work, he was doing some financial work there for some officials. But, up to 2 pm, he was in connection with his family. But after 2.30 pm, the connection with him was lost. His phone turned off. Then the information came to the police and the police have already filed a zero FIR. Searching and investigation is on. We will continue it," Singh said. 

Amid growing tensions, the Manipur CM also urged citizens to stay calm and avoid resorting to violence, emphasizing the complexity of the situation. "Let us work together with the Government of India to resolve these matters, including the lifting of AFSPA. Violence will not solve these issues. I appeal to the people to stay calm and avoid emotional reactions," he said.

The recent unrest in Manipur follows protests that erupted in the Valley districts on November 17, sparked by the discovery of the bodies of six Meitei individuals, who had allegedly been kidnapped and killed by militants in Jiribam.

The autopsy reports of six individuals revealed that three-year-old Chingkhei Nganba Singh, his mother Laishram Heitombi Devi (25), and his grandmother Yurembam Rani Devi (60) sustained multiple injuries, including “penetrating” and “lacerated” wounds to their bodies.