. Manipur Unrest Continues: JAC Imposes Blockade on Army Camp

Protests have escalated in Manipur over the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu, a 56-year-old Meitei man, from the Leimakhong Army camp. A Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed by Meitei civil society groups has imposed a blockade on the camp, preventing workers and contractors from entering until Kamalbabu is safely returned.

Kamalbabu, a resident of Cachar Goshaipur in Assam, had been staying at his brother’s home in Loitang Khunou while working as a laborer at the Leimakhong Army camp. He went missing on November 25th, with his last known contact being around noon that day. While his entry into the camp was recorded, there is no record of his exit.

On Wednesday, the JAC organized a sit-in protest at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district, demanding Kamalbabu’s safe return within three days, starting from November 27th. Protesters, including numerous residents of Loitang Khunou, also blocked the road leading to the Army’s 57th Mountain Division headquarters.

Amidst growing tensions, speculation has arisen that Kamalbabu may have been abducted by Kuki militants, as the camp is situated near Kuki-inhabited areas. During the protest, JAC member Lourembam Anita criticized the Army for providing no clear answers, describing their response as “clueless.” She warned that protests would intensify if Kamalbabu is not found by November 29th.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence’s Public Relations Office for Manipur, Nagaland, and Southern Arunachal Pradesh revealed that the Army initiated a comprehensive search operation on the evening of November 25th after being informed of Kamalbabu’s disappearance. Employed as a works supervisor under a contractor with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at Leimakhong Military Station, Kamalbabu failed to return home that evening. His family reported him missing, prompting immediate action.

The Army has deployed substantial resources, including reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing colleagues, utilizing tracker dogs, and conducting aerial surveillance with drones. Despite these efforts, neither Kamalbabu nor his two-wheeler has been located. The search has been extended to nearby villages, with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) enlisted to assist in the efforts. The Army has assured the family of continued efforts to ensure Kamalbabu’s safe return.

Concurrently, the Manipur Police have launched a parallel investigation into the case. The Army has appealed to Meitei CSOs to lift the blockades, emphasizing the importance of unrestricted movement for security and police personnel involved in the search operations.