Junior Army officer abducted in Manipur.
Militants abducted an Indian Army JCO from his home in Thoubal district of Manipur on Friday, officials said. Konsam Kheda Singh was on leave when he was abducted by a group who barged into his residence around 9 am.
While the motive remains unclear, his family had reportedly received extortion threats in the past, indicating it may be linked to such demands. After receiving information, all security forces launched a coordinated search operation for the officer.
Checks are underway on vehicles plying the Imphal-Jiribam highway. This is the fourth such incident targeting soldiers or relatives in Manipur since the conflict began.
In September, ex-army man Serto Thangthang Kom was kidnapped and killed in Leimakhong. Two months later, four people, including a soldier’s kin, were abducted in Churachandpur and killed. An injured man managed to escape.
In February, Manipur police ASP was attacked at home in Imphal city by the radical group AT. Police commandos laid down arms in protest. Chief Minister Biren Singh later met police officials after visiting the injured officer.
At least 219 people have died in ethnic clashes since last May after a tribal solidarity march protested Meitei ST demands. Meiteis and tribals constitute 53% and 40% of Manipur’s population.
Officials condemned the targeting of forces toiling for peace. Perpetrators of violence against troops and families must face the law, they asserted. The recurring attacks by militants are a grave security concern.
