Two minor siblings, reportedly a brother and sister aged around seven and eight, were found wandering alone near Kanto Sabal area under Sekmai Police Station in Imphal West district this morning. The children, believed to be from the Kuki community, were spotted around 10:30 a.m. by Village Defence Force (VDF) personnel posted in the area.
According to sources, the children were seen walking near the roadside after reportedly purchasing items from a shop at Khurkhul Lamkhai Bazar. They were without any form of identification and claimed to have arrived from Dimapur. Given the current sensitive situation and ongoing tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities, the presence of unattended minors raised concerns among the local security personnel.
The VDF personnel acted promptly, ensuring the children’s safety and providing them with food and shelter. The post commander then alerted the Officer-in-Charge of Sekmai Police Station. Subsequently, the children were handed over to Assistant Sub-Inspector Seitenmang of Leimakhong Police Station at around 10:50 a.m. for further verification and necessary procedures.
The incident comes at a time when ethnic tensions remain high in parts of Manipur, making the safety and security of individuals—especially minors—of utmost concern. Authorities have not yet released any further details about the children’s family or how they reached the area.
Officials at Leimakhong Police Station are currently carrying out verification procedures to trace the identity and origin of the children. Further investigation is underway.