HC tells GOC to consider job for Kamalbabu's Wife
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 21 2025: The High Court of Manipur, in an order passed on Wednesday, directed that the application for compassionate appointment submitted by wife of Laishram Kamalbabu be positively considered by the authority concerned.

The order was issued by a division bench comprising Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui while hearing WP (Crl) No 20 of 2024, filed by one Laishram Brajabanshi Singh.

During the hearing, senior counsel Kh Tarunkumar, assisted by counsel Rustam, appeared on behalf of the petitioner, while deputy advocate general H Debendra, assisted by junior GA H Dimal Kumar, represented the state respondents.

Central Government Counsel (CGC) BR Sharma appeared for respondent No 4, the GOC of 57th Mountain Division.

The counsel for the petitioner informed the court that, following an earlier order passed by the court on March 3, 2025, the GOC had assured to consider providing a compassionate appointment to the legal heirs of the missing person.

The counsel further submitted that the wife of the missing person, Bela Rani Singha, had agreed to submit an application through the Garrison Engineer, Leimakhong Military Station, within two weeks.

The application, once submitted, is expected to be considered positively by the authority concerned.

Taking into account the submissions made by both parties, the court listed the matter for further hearing on April 21, to review the progress and receive a further report.

Kamalbabu, a resident of Gosaipur, Cachar of neighbouring state Assam and a supervisor under M/s Binod Constructions working with the Military Engineering Services, went missing on November 25, 2024 from the highly secured Leimakhong Army camp.

His disappearance sparked protests, with questions raised about security lapses in the restricted area.

Last year, his younger brother, Laishram Brajababu, said that Kamalbabu failed to return home and his phone remained in switch off mode on the fateful day.

He left his home around 9 am on November 25 on his Honda Activa to visit the army camp.

When he did not return at his usual time, his family tried calling him around 4:15 pm, but his phone was switched off.

Kamalbabu's son, Laishram Birjit, had last seen him inside the army camp around 1:20 pm on that day.

A team of protestors also held a meeting with the GOC wherein they reviewed footage of the CCTV installed at the army camp's entry and exit points, confirming that Kamalbabu entered the camp in the morning, but there was no record of him leaving.

Additionally, another exit point towards Makhan village was also checked, but no footage showed him exiting from there either, confirming that he went missing inside the army camp.

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