IMPHAL: The missing Laishram Kamalbabu is claimed to have been abducted from inside the very strong and fortified 57 Mountain Division Headquarters at Leimakhong.
The Joint Action Committee formed for the justice of Kamalbabu and his family had a torrid week with members of the committee, including the wife of Kamalbabu, detained by police for lodging complaints and submitting memorandums before the authorities.
A team from the JAC Against the Missing of Kamalbabu, comprising of his wife, Belarani, and their daughter, traveled from Lamsang to lodge a formal complaint and to submit memorandums to the Chief Minister and Lok Sabha Member Dr. Angomcha Bimol Akoijam. However, upon reaching, the Imphal West District Police detained several members of the JAC, including Belarani.
Although the detainees were let off, the incident created quite a storm as JAC's spokesperson Moirangthem Ibopishak condemned the police act. While speaking to the press outside Lamphel police station, Ibopishak condemned the treatment given to Belarani; he underlined that the woman is a worried wife who needs answers about the disappearance of her husband. He called the detention "a matter of grave concern" and said that actions like these do not demonstrate empathy and support for the grieving family.
The police have also arrested Imagi Meira convenor Th. Sujata, who helped the JAC draw up and present a memorandum to the Governor about Kamalbabu's disappearance. Sujata has been instrumental in drafting and presenting the memorandum before the Governor. She was caught at Imphal Airport on her way to Delhi for an afternoon flight.
JAC members expressed shock and dismay at her arrest. "We were taken by surprise when we learned that Sujata had been arrested," said Ibopishak. He also mentioned that Sujata was personally invited to support the JAC and the family.
Sharp criticism from the leaders of the women's collective, Meira Paibi, poured in after the arrest. One of the leaders condemned the arrest as baseless and fabricated. She demanded that Sujata not be persecuted under false charges and that she was an integral part of helping Kamalbabu's family in this hour of crisis.
Widespread criticism has come from civil society groups and rights activists against the unfolding events. Many have criticized the actions of the authorities, raising concerns about the lack of transparency and sensitivity while dealing with missing people cases and their families.
The JAC's spokesperson Ibopishak further reiterated that their activities at Raj Bhavan were peaceful and meant only for seeking justice. "We did not cause any harassment to anyone," said Ibopishak. Though the detained JAC members were released, Belarani had to be hospitalized after the whole ordeal added to the tension in the family.
As the case comes to more attention, JAC continues demanding answers on Kamalbabu's disappearance; and urges authorities to focus on his tracing and supporting his family rather than hunting for those who were championing justice.
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