In yet another alarming incident, an army officer has been kidnapped from his residence in Manipur, marking the fourth such abduction since ethnic violence erupted in the state last year. Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Konsam Kheda Singh, hailing from Thoubal district, was reportedly abducted by unidentified individuals from his home at 9 am today, according to sources.
Security agencies swiftly initiated a coordinated search operation upon receiving the distressing news, deploying teams to scour National Highway 102 and surrounding areas in a bid to rescue the kidnapped officer. The motive behind the abduction remains unclear, with authorities intensifying efforts to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.
This incident adds to a series of abductions targeting soldiers and their relatives in Manipur since May 2023. In a tragic occurrence in September 2023, former Assam Regiment soldier Serto Thangthang Kom was abducted and subsequently killed by an unidentified armed group while on leave at his residence in Imphal West.
Two months later, another armed group abducted and killed four individuals traveling in an SUV from Churachandpur to Leimakhong, including family members of an Indian Army soldier serving in Jammu and Kashmir. While one passenger managed to escape and receive medical treatment, the soldier’s mother tragically lost her life in the attack.
In a separate incident underscoring the precarious security situation, an Additional Superintendent of Police was briefly abducted in Imphal city on February 27 by individuals identified as Arambai Tenggol (AT) by the police. The repeated attacks on security forces and their families have prompted stern warnings from law enforcement agencies, with indications of potential reimposition of the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act (AFSPA) if such incidents persist.
Security officials have condemned the targeted attacks on security personnel, stressing the need for swift action against perpetrators to restore peace and normalcy in the region. As investigations into the abduction of JCO Konsam Kheda Singh continue, the security establishment remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Manipur.
Sources By Agencies
