Govt taking all steps to rescue Kamalbahu: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, November 29 2024:
Chief minister N Biren Singh assured that the state government, in coordination with the army and other central forces, is taking up every possible step to rescue Laishram Kamalbahu (56) from Loitang Khunou, who has gone missing from the campus of 57th Mountain Division on November 25 .
In a release issued by DIPR Friday, the chief minister stated that the government has also asked the officials of Mountain Division to take a major role in searching and rescuing the missing person.
He added that the signature of the Kamalbabu could be found at the entry register of the army campus, corroborating that he has gone missing from inside the campus.
The CM reiterated that the army has been asked to take the responsibility of rescuing the missing person and locating his whereabouts.
After the killing of three women and three children in Jiribam another issue, concerning the disappearance of Kamalbabu from the compound of Leimakhong army camp, cropped up, he said.
"Yesterday, Sekmai MLA Dingo Singh and members of a Joint Action Committee (JAC), formed in connection with the missing man, met with me and discussed the matter.
A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister was submitted to me by the residents of Loitang Khunou and surrounding areas," Biren said, adding that the memorandum demanded immediate rescue of the missing man and punishment of the perpetrators.
The CM had said that the missing man was engaged in making furniture for army officers.
"There is evidence that Kamalbabu signed when he entered the campus.
A copy of that signature is also enclosed in the memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister.
Since Kamalbabu disappeared from the army compound, the army should share major responsibility in finding him, " the chief minister claimed.
He also described as 'unfortunate' that there are signs of lack of transparency and sincerity among a section of security personnel in Manipur.
"The state government has conveyed the matter (disappearance of the man) to the army authorities to take a lead role in finding the missing man.
This is a very serious issue" .
The JAC members shared their grievances and submitted a memorandum, which included finding whereabouts of the missing person and rescuing him at the earliest, he conveyed.
The state government took the matter with utmost seriousness, Biren said, adding that his government has strongly urged authorities concerned for assistance in rescuing Kamalbabu.
He further appealed to the public to remain calm, adding that the government has been taking up all possible steps in finding the missing person.
In connection with the involuntary disappearance of Kamalbabu from the campus of the army, an FIR has been registered at Sekmai police station.
The JAC, formed in response to the disappearance of Kamalbabu, also held a demonstration in Kanto Sabal area in Imphal West district, demanding that the authorities take steps to trace the missing man.
On Thursday, too, hundreds of people continued their sit-in for the second consecutive day in Imphal West district, demanding that the authorities take steps to trace the 56-year-old missing man.
The JAC in response to the disappearance, started the demonstration on Wednesday in Kanto Sabal area.
According to JAC convenor Ratankumar Singh, the committee will intensify its protest if the missing person is not handed over to them by November 29.Family members claimed that Kamalbabu might have been abducted by Kuki militants.
More than 250 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence between Imphal Valley-based Meeteis and adjoining hills-based Kuki-Zo groups since May last year.
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