Manipur women folk stage sit-in protest demanding safe rescue of man missing from army camp

Women from Kanto Sabal and neighboring villages staged a sit-in protest on November 27, demanding the safe return of Laishram Kamalbabu, who went missing under mysterious circumstances on November 25 from the 57th Mountain Division Army Camp in Leimakhong.  

The demonstration, organized by a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with the incident, saw protesters blocking the road leading to the Leimakhong Army Base Camp. The demonstrators issued a two-day ultimatum, insisting that Kamalbabu be safely handed over to his family by November 29. They warned of intensified protests if their demands remain unmet.  

Kamalbabu, 56, a resident of Gosaipur in Cachar, had been supervising contract work at the military camp while staying at his brother’s residence in Loitang Khunou. According to JAC member Lourembam Anita, Army officials expressed uncertainty about his disappearance when approached. She pointed out the suspicious nature of a person vanishing from a high-security zone, adding that a petition has already been filed with the High Court of Manipur.  

Meanwhile, a public meeting was convened in Gosaipur, Kamalbabu's birthplace, where attendees appealed to the Central and State Governments and the Indian Army to intensify search efforts. The meeting resolved to submit a memorandum to Assam’s Chief Minister, local MLA, Deputy Commissioner, and Superintendent of Police, urging them to pressure the Manipur Government to rescue Kamalbabu.  

Military camp gate logs confirmed Kamalbabu’s entry but recorded no exit. The camp's proximity to Kuki-dominated areas has led to speculation of possible abduction by Kuki militants, given the ongoing ethnic tensions since May last year.  

Leimakhong, situated 16 kilometers from Imphal, lies on the border of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts and is surrounded by Kuki-Zo community settlements. The Meitei community largely fled the area following the onset of the crisis.  

Efforts to locate Kamalbabu continue as tensions rise among locals demanding accountability and justice.