Imphal, Manipur, was on edge Tuesday after Additional Superintendent of Police Th. Brinda was brazenly abducted from his home by masked militants. In protest, police commandos have launched an ‘arms down’ demonstration, refusing to conduct operations until the abducted officer is rescued unharmed.
The pre-dawn kidnapping has shocked the police ranks, given that ASP Brinda is a respected veteran with over 20 years of service. Eyewitnesses say nearly a dozen armed men barged into his residence, vandalized his property, and dragged him into a vehicle at gunpoint.
It is suspected a separatist faction is behind the abduction over allegations of ‘fake encounters.’ They may seek to negotiate a prisoner exchange. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has deployed additional forces to locate and rescue the ASP safely.
But the agitating commandos insist they will not lift their demonstration until concrete steps are taken for Brinda’s release. With normal police operations crippled, tensions grip the state capital amidst the defiant protest.
Human rights activist Seram Rajesh said,
“The commandos’ stand is justified. Their brother officer cannot be abandoned.”
Locals also fear the rebels may use the ASP as leverage to free jailed members if demands are not met. The police top brass faces a tough test here. While past hostage situations with militants have been handled with a zero-tolerance approach, the safety of the abducted ASP remains a priority.
All eyes are on the administration’s next move as the arms-down protest disrupts law and order. There are concerns that this could encourage future abductions if the militants manage to coerce the government into concessions.
As night fell over the city, an uneasy calm prevailed, with no further update on the ASP’s status. Additional security measures have been enforced, while emergency talks are likely underway to plan a coordinated rescue operation.
This brazen abduction has left the Manipur Police reeling but defiant. The immediate focus will be to locate the militants’ hideout where ASP Brinda may be held and deploy elite commandos to extricate him safely. But that is easier said than done in treacherous terrain.
Only a swift and safe crisis resolution can prevent morale from plummeting further. The experienced ASP’s kidnapping from his very home has already exposed worrying vulnerabilities in security protocols.
The city commandos are clear; they will not waver until their senior officer returns unharmed. Their ‘arms down’ act of defiance has captured attention nationwide, underscoring just how seriously the police force is taking this attack on its own.
The state government must also step up efforts and take a tough stand, opening negotiation channels if necessary. With discipline and coordination between the political leadership and police, there remains hope that this tense crisis can be resolved without concessions or casualties.
