Army JCO abducted in Manipur, security forces launch search ops

According to sources, he was currently on leave and was abducted from his residence in a vehicle at around 9 am on Friday.

Manipur IGP I K Muivah had also warned that such incidents would necessitate the presence of central forces in valley districts. (File photo)

Ten days after a senior police official was abducted in Imphal by members of a radical Meitei organisation, a Junior Commissioned Officer with the Indian Army was abducted from his residence in Manipur’s Thoubal district on Friday morning.

The abducted officer is a resident of the valley district of Thoubal. According to sources, he was currently on leave and was abducted from his residence in a vehicle at around 9 am on Friday. The cause for this abduction is not clear so far.

All security forces are currently engaged in a coordinated search operation to rescue the abducted officer and all vehicles plying National Highway 102 are being checked, sources said.

Just 10 days ago, Manipur’s valley districts were rocked by discontent from police forces after an Additional Superintendent of Police was abducted and his house in Imphal attacked by assailants identified as armed members of the Arambai Tenggol on February 27. An inspector was also abducted alongside him.

They were eventually rescued but sustained injuries and were admitted to a private hospital for treatment. The incident had prompted the administrations of various valley districts to requisition central paramilitary forces and the Army to assist the police with the law and order situation.

Manipur IGP I K Muivah had also warned that such incidents would necessitate the presence of central forces in valley districts – where the ‘Disturbed Areas’ notification under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act is not applicable unlike in the hill districts – if “police are not able to perform their normal duties”.

The conflict in Manipur has been ongoing for more than 10 months now, and at least 212 people have been killed so far.

Sukrita Baruah

Sukrita Baruah is a Principal Correspondent for The Indian Express, based in Guwahati. From this strategic hub, she provides comprehensive, ground-level coverage of India's North East, a region characterized by its complex ethnic diversity, geopolitical significance, and unique developmental challenges. Expertise and Experience Ethnic & Social Dynamics: Deep-dive coverage of regional conflicts (such as the crisis in Manipur) and peace-building efforts. Border & Geopolitics: Tracking developments along India’s international borders and their impact on local communities. Governance & Policy: Reporting on state elections, tribal council decisions, and the implementation of central schemes in the North East. Specialized Education Background: Prior to her current role, Sukrita was a dedicated Education Correspondent for The Indian Express in Delhi. This experience provided her with a sharp analytical lens for: Policy Analysis: Evaluating the National Education Policy (NEP) and university-level reforms. Student Affairs: Covering high-stakes stories regarding campus politics, national entrance exams, and the challenges within the primary and secondary education sectors. ... Read More

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