IMPHAL, Nov 30: Protests have surged at the Leimakhong Army Camp of the 57th Mountain Division in Manipur on Saturday following the disappearance of Kamalbabu Laishram, a 54-year-old works supervisor for a contractor engaged by the Military Engineering Services (MES). Kamalbabu has been missing since November 25, raising serious concerns and allegations from his family and the local Meitei community.
Kamalbabu’s wife, Laishram Ongbi Koijam Bela Rani, 50, has been a vocal figure in the protests, staging a sit-in at the entrance of the army camp. She asserts that her husband entered the camp on the day of his disappearance, as confirmed by entry records and CCTV footage. However, officials have not provided any record of his exit, fueling speculation about his fate. “I was informed that evening that my husband had vanished. His phone was switched off. I demand the safe return of my husband. The army, where he was last seen, must take responsibility for finding him,” she said tearfully.
Demonstrators have rallied outside the camp, chanting slogans like “57th Mountain Division, down down!” and “We want Kamalbabu alive!” Supporters accuse the army of negligence and possibly foul play, further intensifying the protests, which have entered their fifth consecutive day. The discontent has escalated to the point where a High Court petition has been filed to demand immediate action regarding Kamalbabu’s disappearance.
The lack of clarity surrounding his situation has ignited outrage across Manipur, particularly among the Meitei community. Protesters claim that the army’s silence contributes to their suspicions of wrongdoing.
Despite growing public outcry, the army authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
