IMPHAL: A wave of concern and anger has swept through the state of Manipur as a 56-year-old man, Laishram Kamalbabu, mysteriously disappeared from the 57th Mountain Division Army Camp in Leimakhong on November 25th.
Women from Kanto Sabal and neighboring villages staged a sit-in protest on Tuesday, demanding the safe return of Kamalbabu. The protest, organized by a Joint Action Committee (JAC), saw demonstrators blocking the road leading to the Leimakhong Army Base Camp. The JAC has issued a 48-hour ultimatum, threatening to intensify protests if Kamalbabu is not returned by November 29th.
Kamalbabu, a resident of Gosaipur in Cachar, Assam, was overseeing contract work at the military camp and staying at his brother’s residence in Loitang Khunou. Local authorities and army officials have expressed uncertainty about his disappearance, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his vanishing act from a high-security zone.
A public meeting was held in Gosaipur, where attendees appealed to the Central and State Governments, as well as the Indian Army, to intensify search efforts. A memorandum will be submitted to Assam’s Chief Minister, local MLA, Deputy Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police, urging them to pressure the Manipur Government to rescue Kamalbabu.
Military camp records confirm Kamalbabu’s entry but show no record of his exit. The camp’s proximity to Kuki-dominated areas has fueled speculation about a possible abduction by Kuki militants, given the ongoing ethnic tensions in the region.
Leimakhong, located 16 kilometers from Imphal, lies on the border of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts and is predominantly inhabited by the Kuki-Zo community. The Meitei community has largely fled the area due to the ongoing crisis.
As the search for Kamalbabu continues, tensions are mounting among locals who demand answers and justice.
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