IMPHAL, April 4: Congress MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam on Thursday raised alarm in the Lok Sabha over the mysterious disappearances of students in Manipur, comparing “Joujangtek” to the infamous “Bermuda Triangle” — a region in the North Atlantic Ocean known for unexplained disappearances of ships and planes.
Speaking during Zero Hour, MP Bimol highlighted the disappearance of two students, Linthoingambi and Hemanjit, from Joujangtek amidst the ongoing crisis in the state. He stressed that such incidents continue to occur even under President’s Rule in Manipur, indicating a worrying lack of control and accountability.
“I would like to draw the attention of the House as well as the Home Minister that the protection of life of the people is the paramount duty of the state,” MP Bimol said, urging the Centre to investigate these cases thoroughly.
MP Bimol further brought attention to the recent case of Luwangthem Mukesh, stating that the issue of disappearances is not isolated. He noted that the authorities have officially listed at least 33 persons as missing since the outbreak of ethnic violence on May 3, 2023, as per records maintained by the Manipur Police Department.
Luwangthem Mukesh (20), a 5th-semester student at NG College, Imphal, and a resident of Keishampat Leimajam Leikai in Imphal West district went missing on March 16. He is the son of L Gyanendra Das.
In response to the growing concerns, the Manipur government announced a cash reward of ₹10 lakh for any informant providing credible information leading to the safe return of Mukesh.
Authorities have employed advanced technical data analysis and intelligence gathering in their efforts to locate the missing individuals. The search operations have been concentrated primarily in areas between Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts, with particular focus on Joujangtek and Old Cachar Road — locations believed to be key zones in the disappearances.
