A young man, Luwangthem Mukesh, from Keishampat Leimajam Leikai, has been missing since March 16, 2025. His family is distraught and has appealed to the Governor of Manipur, but there is still no information about where he is.
Mukesh’s family reported him missing at Imphal Police Station on March 17, leading to an investigation. CCTV footage showed his car traveling through Nambol towards Bishnupur at 3:15 PM on March 16. Later, cameras in Bishnupur captured his vehicle at 3:40 PM, and his phone’s last location was traced to Joujangtek, a village dominated by the Kuki community. This has raised concerns for his safety.
Security forces, including Assam Rifles, Manipur Police, and CRPF, conducted an extensive search operation in Joujangtek and K Sonjang villages. However, Mukesh has not been found, increasing fear among the Meetei community. The Meetei people mostly live in the central valley of Manipur, which covers only 8% of the state’s area.
Manipur is currently under President’s Rule, and the Meetei community feels unsafe. On March 8, Union Home Minister Amit Shah instructed authorities to allow free movement in the region, but the situation remains tense. Reports indicate that 82% of the surrendered weapons recently came from Meetei individuals, while Kuki militant groups have allegedly refused to give up illegal arms.
There are also concerns over the activities of Kuki armed groups. Experts compare this to past events where groups initially supported for strategic reasons later became a threat. For example, Osama bin Laden was once backed by the U.S. but later carried out the 9/11 attacks. Similarly, India once supported the LTTE, but the group later assassinated an Indian Prime Minister.
The refusal of Kuki militants to surrender their weapons and claims of them receiving support from central agencies have raised new worries about the region’s stability. The Meetei community is calling for immediate action, a transparent investigation, and Mukesh’s safe return.
With growing fears, one question remains: How many more people must go missing before the government steps in? (PR)