As the restive ambience triggered by ethnic clashes continues to intensify in the northeastern state of Manipur, it has been reported that at least 30 people have gone missing in the state since May.
The officials fear that the number can still grow by leaps and bounds, considering the number of missing complaints and the un-numbered FIRs filed
As per media reports, the wife of 47-year-old Atom Samarendra Singh, Kavita reported that on May 6, her husband, a journalist, researcher, and social worker, went missing and the family members are yet to find any trace of him.
Kavita has also added that, besides her husband, his 48-year-old fiend, Yumkhaibam Kirankumar Singh, has not returned either.
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When questioned further regarding their disappearance, Kavita said that the two had driven to the Saheibung area, adjacent to the Manipur Olympic Park, bordering the foothills of Kangpokpi district. Their cell phones are switched off. They are untraceable. Police sources said searches are conducted after a missing complaint is filed, but there has been no success yet.
There are over 6,000 Zero FIRs, according to police.
Two months after the disappearance of the journalist and his friend, another tragedy unfolded in Imphal on July 6 when 17-year-old Hijam Luwangbi Linthoingambi, had left her home for her NEET coaching classes.
It has been reported that she was picked up by her boyfriend – 17-year-old Phijam Hemanjit. They have been missing since while their parents have filed complaints at two separate police stations.
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The police say there is CCTV footage confirming they were spotted going towards Nambol area in Imphal valley.
According to media reports, the father of the missing girl, Hijam Kullajit, said, "Cybercrime police reports that her phone was last switched off at Kwakta and the boy's phone got switched off at Lamdan."
The families are fearing that their loved ones are being tortured.
In the hills, the civil society has documented missing cases and also cases where the bodies are yet to be sent back. A mass burial has been planned on August 3.
