Imphal West, Manipur, has become a hotspot of tension after a 56-year-old Meitei man from Cachar, Assam, went missing under mysterious circumstances. The missing individual, identified as Laishram Kamalbabu, son of late L. Kumardhan Singh of Goshaipur village, Cachar, was last seen on November 25.
Mysterious Disappearance
Laishram Kamalbabu was stationed in Imphal for work under the Military Engineer Services (MES) at the 57 Mountain Division in Leimakhong, Manipur. According to his family, CCTV footage supervised by the Army revealed Kamalbabu entering the Army camp but offered no evidence of him leaving. His sudden disappearance has left his family and the local community deeply concerned.
Police and Family Involvement
A missing person report was filed with Sekmai police in Manipur and Cachar Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta by the family members. They have sought the authorities’ urgent intervention in tracing Kamalbabu.
CoCoCoM Intervenes
On November 26, the Coordination Committee on Crisis of Meetei/Manipuri (CoCoCoM) met Cachar SP Numal Mahatta to emphasize the urgency of the case. The group submitted a formal missing report and requested prompt action.
Later, CoCoCoM convened a meeting at the Silchar Boys Hostel, followed by a press conference where their advisor, Dr. K.N. Chand, appealed to the Manipur government for assistance. He urged the authorities to trace Laishram Kamalbabu and ensure his safe return to his family.
Family’s Emotional Plea
Bela Rani, Kamalbabu’s wife, made a heartfelt plea to the Manipur government, Meira Paibi groups, and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to extend their help in locating her husband. The meeting with the Cachar SP, led by CoCoCoM Chairman Kangabam Shanti Kumar, saw the participation of members from CoCoCoM and representatives of Goshaipur and Barmoni villages, underlining the community’s collective concern.
Calls for Action
The case has raised several questions about Kamalbabu’s disappearance and the potential risks faced by individuals working in conflict-prone areas. The community, along with organizations like CoCoCoM, has demanded a thorough investigation and immediate measures to locate him.
The situation continues to unfold, with both Assam and Manipur authorities under pressure to provide clarity on Kamalbabu’s whereabouts. As days pass, the fear of foul play looms, leaving his family and the public anxious for answers.