Manipur Launches Massive Search for Missing Man

Imphal- A massive search operation involving 2,000 soldiers of the Army and Assam Rifles is underway in Manipur to locate a 56-year-old man who went missing nearly two weeks ago. Laishram Kamalbabu Singh, a resident of Gossaipur in Assam's Cachar district, was staying in Loitang Khunou village in Manipur's Imphal West district when he disappeared on November 25.

Singh supervised contractors for the Military Engineering Services at the Leimakhong military station. He left his residence for the station on November 25 and has been missing since.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) and the Meira Paibis, a women's vigilante group in Manipur, are spearheading separate agitations demanding his rescue. They have appealed to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to intervene in the case and intensify the search efforts.

The JAC, after meeting with Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh on Friday, told the media that they are also seeking the intervention of Defense Minister Rajnath Singh to ask the Army officials in Manipur to intensify the search operation to locate the missing person. Meira Paibis leaders emphasized that Singh's status as an Assam resident necessitates action from Chief Minister Sarma.

The Army has deployed tracker dogs, drones, and other technological aids in the search, which is concentrated in Kangpokpi and surrounding districts. Defense sources stated that soldiers are actively engaging with village heads and community leaders for information. CCTV footage is being reviewed, and Singh's colleagues are being interviewed.

The Manipur High Court has formed a four-member committee to investigate the disappearance. The committee, headed by the District Magistrate of Kangpokpi, was formed after the brother of the missing person filed a petition. The committee includes the Kangpokpi and Imphal West Superintendents of Police and the 57 Mountain Division Signal Regiment Commanding Officer.

Chief Minister Singh has urged the Army to make every effort to locate and rescue Singh, emphasizing the responsibility to find the missing person.

Kuki-Zo-Hmar tribal areas surround Leimakhong military station, which is 16 km from Imphal. Following ethnic clashes in Manipur last May, many Meitei community members fled the areas near Leimakhong village.