IT News
Imphal, Nov 27:
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in response to the disappearance of Laishram Kamalbabu staged a sit-in protest today at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district. The protestors demanded the safe release of 56-year-old Kamalbabu within three days, starting from November 27.
Kamalbabu, a resident of Cachar Goshaipur, had been staying at his brother’s house in Loitang Khunou while working as a laborer inside the army camp at Leimakhong. He went missing on November 25, with the last contact reported around noon that day. Although his entry into the army camp was recorded, there was no corresponding exit record.
The JAC announced its decision to bar workers and contractors from entering the army camp until Kamalbabu is safely returned. Protestors from various parts of Sekmai Assembly constituency attended the demonstration, showing solidarity with the demand.
The JAC also stated that a public meeting will be convened soon to discuss further action regarding Kamalbabu’s disappearance.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the PRO and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence covering Manipur, Nagaland, and Southern Arunachal Pradesh disclosed that the Army launched a large-scale search operation on the evening of November 25, 2024, following a report about a missing individual from Leimakhong, Manipur. The missing person, identified as 54-year-old Kamal Babu from the Meitei community, is a resident of Cachar district in Assam and had been staying in Khurkul. He was employed as a works supervisor for a contractor associated with the Military Engineering Services (MES) at the Leimakhong Military Station. His family had reported his failure to return home that evening.
Upon receiving the information, the Army immediately mobilized its resources, reviewing CCTV footage, interviewing Mr. Babu’s colleagues, and deploying tracker dogs for a comprehensive search. Despite the exhaustive efforts, neither Mr. Babu nor his two-wheeler had been located.
The search operation has since been intensified, extending to the military station and nearby villages, with drones and other aerial platforms added to assist the efforts. Army authorities have also engaged with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the area to seek assistance in tracing the missing individual. The family has been assured of every effort being made to ensure Mr. Babu’s safe and prompt return.
The Manipur Police have also initiated an investigation into the case. Additionally, the Army has urged Meitei CSOs to lift blockades in the region to facilitate the unhindered movement of Armed Forces and Police personnel involved in the search operations.
