By C Bureau
The Manipur State Government has announced an reward of ₹10,00,000 (Rupees Ten Lakh) for any individual who can provide credible information leading to the safe return of Luwangthem Mukesh, a 20-year-old resident of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, Imphal West, who has been missing since Saturday, March 16, 2025.
The case of the missing youth, son of L. Gyanendra Das, was officially registered at Imphal Police Station under FIR No. 90(3)2025 IPS u/s 140(1)/142/3(5) BNS.
In a press release issued today, March 295, by the Home Department of the Government of Manipur, said Manipur Police, under the supervision of a senior-level officer, has been actively engaged in search and rescue operations for the past two weeks.
These efforts have been conducted jointly with the Assam Rifles and other Security Forces, focusing on suspected areas within the districts of Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and Noney, as well as other parts of the state. The operations have reportedly utilized advanced technical data analysis and intelligence gathering techniques in their efforts to locate the missing youth.
“ The State Government urges citizens to come forward with any relevant information that could assist in safe return of the missing person. Further, the State Government has also announced a reward of Rs 10,00,000/- (Rupees Ten Lakh) only to any informant who provides credible information leading to safe return of the missing person, “ said Dr. Mayengbam Veto Singh, Joint Secretary (Home), Government of Manipur.
The Disappearance
On March 16, 2025, 20-year-old Luwangthem Mukesh vanished under mysterious circumstances, igniting fear, protests, and a massive search effort in the conflict-ridden state of Manipur.
Luwangthem Mukesh left his home around 2 PM on that fateful Sunday, driving a red Maruti Suzuki Alto 800. According to his mother, Luwangthem Ongbi Omila Devi, he skipped his meal, casually mentioning he would eat upon his return. Wearing a black T-shirt, black pants, and slippers, he asked for Rs 200 before heading out. By 3 PM, his mother’s calls went unanswered, and by 6:30 PM, his phone was switched off. What began as mild concern turned into panic as night fell with no sign of Mukesh. His family reported him missing the following day, March 17, at the Imphal Police Station, setting off an urgent investigation.
#NetSnippet | Manipur MLA Sapam Nishikant has urged Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla to intensify efforts to locate 20-year-old Luwangthem Mukesh, who has been missing since March 16. The appeal was made during a meeting at Raj Bhavan on Thursday evening.
Read more..… pic.twitter.com/jJE3HQ9jRj
— NORTHEAST TODAY (@NortheastToday) March 28, 2025
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CCTV footage later revealed Mukesh’s vehicle passing through Nambol Police Station at 3:16 PM and Bishnupur Bazar at 3:40 PM. His last known location was traced to the Chinikhul area in Bishnupur district, near the border with Churachandpur—a tribal-dominated region. His mobile phone signal was detected near Jouzangtek, a village straddling Bishnupur and Churachandpur, though the exact spot remains elusive. These clues have directed search efforts but have also deepened suspicions amid Manipur’s ongoing ethnic tensions.
The fact that Mukesh belongs to Meitei community has added another layer of complexity, with some protesters speculating that ethnic motives could be at play. However, no concrete evidence has emerged to support this theory. Jouzangtek village chief Henkhopao Haokip has vehemently denied any involvement of his community, calling such allegations “baseless” and an attempt to tarnish their reputation. Despite this, the narrative of ethnic division continues to fuel public sentiment.
The Search Intensifies
The Manipur Police, supported by the Assam Rifles and other security agencies, have launched an extensive search operation spanning multiple districts—Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi. Tracker dogs, advanced data analysis, and intelligence-gathering techniques have been deployed, with efforts concentrated around the Bishnupur-Churachandpur border, Jouzangtek, and Old Cachar Road. High-level security meetings are ongoing to refine strategies, and authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information.
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As the search entered its 13th day on March 29, additional measures underscored the urgency. Manipur Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla met with Mukesh’s parents and members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC)—a group formed to demand his rescue—on March 21, assuring them of the government’s commitment.
Manipur MLA Sapam Nishikant has also pressed for military involvement, appealing to the Governor and discussing the case with Brigadier Boral of Keithelmanbi. Meanwhile, security forces have seized arms and arrested suspected militants from groups like the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) during related operations, though no direct link to Mukesh’s case has been established.
Mukesh’s disappearance has sparked widespread unrest. Protests erupted in Imphal, with demonstrators rallying near Raj Bhavan and Nupi Lal Complex, demanding his safe return within a 24-hour ultimatum issued by the JAC on March 18. At Keisampat, Mukesh’s home locality, his mother’s tearful pleas for her son’s safety struck a chord with the public. “I just want my son back alive,” she said, her voice breaking as she addressed the crowd.
A Test of Resolve
As the days stretch on, the case of Luwangthem Mukesh has become more than a missing person investigation—it’s a litmus test for Manipur’s authorities amid a backdrop of ethnic fragility. The police remain steadfast, maintaining 111 checkpoints and securing supply routes even as they scour the region. Yet, with each passing day, hope dims, and the specter of unresolved disappearances looms larger.
For Mukesh’s family, the wait is agonizing. For Manipur, it’s a reminder of wounds yet to heal. Whether this young man’s story ends in reunion or tragedy, it will leave an indelible mark on a state struggling to find peace. As the search continues, all eyes are on the authorities to deliver answers—and, ideally, a safe return.
