Synopsis
Ongoing search efforts by Manipur police and security forces continue for missing Meitei youth Luwangthem Mukhesh. His family reported him missing after he drove towards Churachandpur on March 16. Protests demand urgent action for his rescue amidst escalating ethnic tensions in the region.Key Takeaways
- Massive search operations are ongoing to locate Mukhesh.
- CCTV footage shows his vehicle last seen in Bishnupur district.
- Protests are demanding immediate action from authorities.
- Over 30 Meitei youths have gone missing since ethnic violence began.
- Security forces have seized arms related to the search.
Imphal, March 21 (NationPress) A significant search effort by the Manipur police and various security personnel is still in progress for the fifth consecutive day as they seek to find 20-year-old Meitei youth Luwangthem Mukhesh, who disappeared on March 16, according to an official announcement.
A police representative indicated that state police teams, in collaboration with the Assam Rifles and other Central forces, have been performing search operations both collaboratively and independently across Imphal West, Imphal East, Churachandpur, Bishnupur, and Kangpokpi districts to locate Mukhesh, who is from the Keishampat Lelmajam Leikal area of Imphal West district.
Additionally, tracker dogs have been enlisted to aid in the search for the missing youth, the official noted, mentioning that Mukhesh was reported missing after he drove his car toward the tribal-dominated district of Churachandpur on the afternoon of March 16.
Mukhesh’s family has filed a missing person report at the Imphal Police Station.
"Comprehensive efforts are currently underway to locate Mukhesh by police and other security forces. Extensive search operations are being conducted in all areas of concern," the official stated, adding that civil society organizations are also working to gather information regarding the whereabouts of the missing youth.
He mentioned that CCTV footage captured Mukhesh’s vehicle last seen in Bishnupur district near Chinikon, close to the Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi district.
Protests are taking place in Imphal, demanding that security forces take immediate action to rescue the missing youth.
During the demonstration held in the Keisampat area, protesters called for the protection of innocent civilians.
Mukhesh’s mother has made a heartfelt appeal to the authorities to ensure her son’s safety. Official reports indicate that over 30 youths from the Meitei community have gone missing since the onset of ethnic violence in the state 22 months ago.
In a related development, Manipur police have apprehended three members of the Kangleipak Communist Party (KCP) in Imphal West District, seizing a two-wheeler and four mobile phones. Additionally, security forces have recovered a large stockpile of arms and ammunition during their ongoing search operations.
