Manipur: Senior citizens' group demands 57th Mountain Division to locate missing Meitei man

Senior citizens' organization Taragi Cheisu has called for intensified efforts to locate Laishram Kamalbabu, a 56-year-old Meitei man who mysteriously disappeared from the highly secured compound of the 57th Mountain Division Army Camp at Leimakhong on November 25.

Addressing the media at a press conference, Dr. R.K. Nimai, retired IAS officer and co-chairperson of Taragi Cheisu, expressed grave concern over the incident, emphasizing its unique and alarming nature. He revealed that Kamalbabu, who had entered the military camp at around 9 AM to oversee ongoing work, was confirmed to have signed into the camp’s logbook. However, there is no record of his exit. Call data records indicated that his last known location was within the military premises.

“This case is particularly distressing because it occurred in a highly secured area,” Dr. Nimai said, adding that such incidents could worsen the strained relationship between the Meitei community and the Indian Army.

Dr. Nimai also highlighted that since the onset of the current crisis, about 30 individuals, mostly from the Meitei community, have been reported missing. He urged authorities to treat Kamalbabu’s disappearance with urgency and ensure transparent updates on the progress of the investigation.

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“This incident raises suspicions of possible foul play aimed at deepening the chasm between the Meitei community and the Indian Army,” Dr. Nimai added.

Taragi Cheisu has demanded that the 57th Mountain Division exhaust every possible avenue to recover Kamalbabu. “Failure to act decisively in this matter will only exacerbate the trust deficit between the Army and the Meitei community,” Dr. Nimai warned.

The organization has also suggested that authorities provide daily updates on the search efforts to reassure the public and ensure accountability.

As the case unfolds, it underscores the need for transparency and swift action to address the community's concerns and maintain harmony in the sensitive region.