Guwahati: The search for a missing worker from the Leimakhong military station in Manipur has escalated, with both the Indian Army and the Manipur Police increasing their efforts to locate him. Laishram Kamalbabu Singha, a 56-year-old supervisor for a private construction company working on military projects, has been unaccounted for since November 25 after reporting to work at the site, located approximately 16 kilometers from Imphal.
Kamalbabu is originally from Cachar district in Assam, and was residing in Khurkul village in Imphal West district. Reports indicate that he was last seen wearing grey trousers and a dark green jacket. His disappearance has raised concerns among locals, leading to a flurry of activity from both law enforcement and the Army. His younger brother lodged a First Information Report (FIR) at Sekmai Police Station on Tuesday, while his wife reported him missing to the Cachar Police the following day.
The Indian Army has been actively coordinating with the police and has held discussions with village leaders and local elders in an attempt to gather information that could aid in the search. In their efforts, they have deployed drones and helicopters to search the surrounding areas of Leimakhong.
Tensions are palpable in the region following Kamalbabu’s disappearance, particularly in the peripheral regions of Imphal Valley, as some locals speculate that insurgents may be involved. This suspicion has incited action from the community; on Tuesday, large numbers of Meitei protesters marched to the military station, demanding accountability from the authorities. Protesters also blocked roads and hindered the movement of both army and police personnel, underlining the unrest surrounding the situation.
In response to the incident, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh confirmed that the government is aware of the case and that search operations are actively ongoing. The Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), representing a coalition of Meitei civil society organizations, issued a statement urging for more extensive search efforts, labeling the disappearance from a military establishment as a significant concern not only for the family involved but for the nation as a whole.
Further complicating the matter, Kamalbabu’s brother has petitioned the Manipur High Court, expressing fears that Kamalbabu may suffer a fate similar to that of a Meitei family previously abducted and murdered by suspected Kuki-Zo insurgents in the Jiribam area. The High Court has responded by issuing notices to key officials, including the authorities of the Manipur Security Advisors, the Director General of Police, and the General Officer Commanding of the 57 Mountain Division of the Indian Army. The case is set for a hearing on Friday, as the search for Kamalbabu continues amidst rising community tension and concerns for safety.
