Manipur Police detained three women on Monday for attempting to hold a protest near Raj Bhavan in Imphal over the disappearance of a 56-year-old man from an army camp in Leimakhong, Kangpokpi district.
Among those detained was the wife of the missing man, Laishram Kamalbabu.
“The women tried to demonstrate in front of the Raj Bhavan but were stopped by women police personnel stationed in the high-security area,” an official stated.
They were taken to the City Police Station and later released.
The protest was led by Imagi Meira, a women’s organization. Its convenor, Thokchom Sujata, voiced frustration over the lack of progress in the search for Kamalbabu, who has been missing for 15 days.
“We wanted to meet the governor… Authorities claim a search is underway, but there has been no substantial outcome,” Sujata said.
Sujata was also detained by the police later in the evening, though officials did not clarify the reason for her detention.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh recently acknowledged receiving “key evidence” related to Kamalbabu’s disappearance.
The evidence, submitted by representatives of a Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in response to the case, reportedly confirms that Kamalbabu went missing from the 57 Mountain Division Headquarters in Leimakhong.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Singh said, “Met the representatives of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against the Missing of Shri Laishram Kamalbabu and his family members, who are actively pursuing his whereabouts. Shri Kamalbabu was last seen at the 57 Mountain Division Headquarters, Leimakhong.”
Kamalbabu’s disappearance on November 25 has triggered protests across Manipur, with family members and activists demanding answers from authorities.
The incident has added to the state’s growing concerns over security and accountability in sensitive areas.
The police and administration continue to face pressure as public outcry intensifies over the lack of concrete developments in the case.
