The Manipur High Court has taken significant steps in addressing the case of Laishram Kamal, a 56-year-old man who has been missing since November 25 from the Leimakhong Army Camp. In response to a petition filed by his brother, the court has established a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kamal’s disappearance.
During a hearing on Wednesday, Justices D Krishnakumar and Golmei Gaiphulshillu discussed the case, recalling that the court had previously issued notices to relevant parties on November 27, urging them to report on Kamal’s whereabouts. However, the court noted that the respondents had failed to submit the required reports, prompting the formation of the investigatory committee.
This committee is comprised of key officials, including the District Magistrate (DM) and Superintendent of Police (SP) from Kangpokpi, the SP of Imphal West, and a Colonel serving as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the Army’s 57 Mountain Division. The court’s directive mandates the committee to ascertain whether Kamal was kidnapped within the premises of the Army camp or if he left voluntarily.
The High Court has emphasized the need for collaboration from Kamal’s family, instructing them to provide any relevant evidence or documentation that could assist in the investigation. The District Magistrate, as the head of this committee, is responsible for notifying the petitioner and his family members to attend the inquiry. The committee’s findings are expected to be presented to the High Court during the next scheduled hearing on December 11.
In his petition, Kamal’s brother has expressed concerns that his sibling was abducted by Kuki militants from within the high-security area of the Army camp. Additionally, a formal complaint was lodged with a local police station regarding Kamal’s disappearance shortly after he went missing on November 27. According to the petitioner, Kamal was employed as a supervisor with a construction company operating within the confines of the Leimakhong Army campus.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has garnered attention, highlighting security concerns in the region and the potential implications of military operations. The community awaits the outcomes of the committee’s inquiry, as the family seeks answers regarding the fate of Laishram Kamal.
