Manipur’s Chief Minister N Biren Singh has voiced his grave concern regarding the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu, a 56-year-old Meitei man, from the Leimakhong Army camp. Describing the development as “very unfortunate,” Singh emphasized that both the central and state governments are dedicated to efforts aimed at locating Kamalbabu.
Kamalbabu had been supervising construction efforts for a contractor with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at the Leimakhong military station before his disappearance on November 25. He left his home in Imphal West at approximately 9 a.m. for work but failed to return later that day. Following unsuccessful attempts to reach him, his family filed a missing person report, highlighting that Kamalbabu had last been seen within the Army campus, accompanied by a Nepali individual, before his phone was switched off.
In response to the report of Kamalbabu’s disappearance, the Indian Army initiated an extensive search operation that incorporates ground combing, drone surveillance, and aerial reconnaissance within the military base and the adjacent villages. The defence public relations office confirmed that the search efforts intensified immediately after the missing person report was received on the evening of November 25. Unfortunately, despite these comprehensive search strategies, Kamalbabu’s whereabouts remain unknown.
Local residents have taken a stand, forming a joint action committee that organized a sit-in protest in Imphal West, demanding that the Army take responsibility for ensuring Kamalbabu’s safe return. The protesters are calling for immediate action and accountability from the Indian Army, spotlighting the need for thorough efforts in locating the missing man.
Chief Minister Biren Singh underscored the accountability of the Army in tracing Kamalbabu, noting the seriousness of the situation compounded by previous tragedies in the region, including recent violence in Jiribam that resulted in the deaths of three women and three children. He reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to collaborate with the Army and engage with central officials to accelerate the search for Kamalbabu amidst ongoing public unrest surrounding the incident.
