IMPHAL: Senior officers from the Manipur Police, including officials of the IG and DIG ranks, have been dispatched to Jiribam district to oversee the search operation for six individuals who went missing from a relief camp following a gunfight between militants and security forces in Borobekra. These officers are coordinating efforts with the security forces to locate the missing persons, who include three women and three children.
The missing individuals were residing in a relief camp situated within the premises of the Borobekra police station. Civil society organizations based in Imphal Valley have raised concerns, alleging that the six persons were abducted by militants who retreated after their attack on the Borobekra police station was repelled by the security forces.
The gunfight, which ensued after the militant attack on Monday, resulted in the deaths of ten suspected militants, although some officials suggest the toll could be as high as 11. Despite these casualties, the focus has now shifted to the search for the six missing persons.
In response to their disappearance, candlelight vigils were held in Imphal and Jiribam on Thursday evening, with participants demanding the immediate release of the missing individuals. Protesters in Jiribam criticized local politicians, including the MLA, for not taking stronger action to ensure the safe return of the missing persons. A photo circulating on social media purportedly shows the missing people, though the police have not confirmed their abduction.
