Futile search for missing person
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: December 05, 2024 -

IF at all Laishram Kamalbabu, who went missing from inside the 57th Mountain Division complex at Leimakhong on November 25, is no more inside the military garrison; as could be comprehended from the on-going search operation covering areas beyond the premises of the army brigade, then possibility of his involuntary disappearance due to abduction cannot be ruled out.

With the army authorities conceding that Kamalbabu, a native of Assam's Cachar district, who had been living in Khurkhul village in Imphal West district, works as supervisor for a contractor working with the Military Engineering Services (MES) in Leimakhong Military Station of the 57th Mountain Division, the Army has to shoulder the responsibility for his safe reunion with the family.

As Leimakhong area has many Kuki villages, it is possible that Kamalbabu might have inadvertently stepped out from his worksite inside the military garrison and taken captive as had been case whenever individuals belonging to the communities in conflict cross the so-called buffer zone.

However, Leimakhong cannot be classified as a buffer or red zone for it is basically a military station guarded round-the-clock with deployment of military personnel and installation/use of surveillance cameras, including at every entry and exit points.

Amid street protests in denunciation of alleged Indian Army lapses, if any, in securing the camp and ensuring safety of its personnel, as well as civilians within the military premises, state and central forces have been carrying out search operations for over a week now but with no clue on whereabouts of the missing person.

While involvement of 2000 security personnel in the search operations signifies seriousness accorded to the case, failure to locate the missing person till date not only foretell the worst possible outcome but could also taint the reputation of the Indian armed forces, which boast of being capable in handling any dire situation.

Apart from civil society organisations holding the army accountable and demanding a thorough explanation on the whereabouts of Kamalbabu, who had signed in the entry register and his presence inside the camp established from the CCTV footage, chief minister N Biren, has stated that the army authorities owe to take responsibility for finding him as he went missing from the military station.

Even if it is heartening to learn that massive joint search operations by Manipur police assisted by Indian Army is being undertaken a day after 56-year old went missing, the fact that there is no clue of his is a serious cause of concern for all, especially his immediate family members.

Though it would be nothing short of a miracle in case Kamalbabu could be located safe and sound, it is still hoped that the on-going efforts of the combined security teams to trace him would fructify.

Moreover, in case Kamalbabu cannot be accounted for like scores of other Meetei individuals, including young boys and girls, whose whereabouts remain unknown months after 'vanishing' within or in the periphery of Kuki settlements, then it is but natural that the Meetei community would construe reports of security forces utilising 2000 plus troops, helicopters, drones and Army tracker dogs in the search operations as nothing but damage control exercise.