20-year-old Meitei man goes missing in Manipur, sparks fresh tensions amid ethnic crisis

Tensions in Manipur have escalated after a 20-year-old Meitei youth, Luwangthem Mukesh, went missing from Imphal West district on Sunday. His mother, Luwangthem Omila Dev, filed a missing person complaint with the police, stating that her son left home in a red Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 and never returned.

During the initial investigation, the police examined CCTV footage, which showed Mukesh’s car last seen on the outskirts of Bishnupur district, near Kuki-dominated villages approximately 30 km from Imphal. His mobile phone was with him at the time of his disappearance, but his location remains unknown.

Manipur, which has been reeling from ethnic clashes since May 2023, has seen a worsening divide between the Meitei and Kuki communities. The violence, sparked by disputes over land rights and political representation, has resulted in over 250 deaths and the internal displacement of nearly 50,000 people. The missing case of Mukesh has raised new concerns over safety and inter-community relations.

Earlier this month, the central government ordered security forces to ensure free movement across Manipur from March 8, aiming to restore normalcy in the state. However, the directive was met with violent protests from Kuki groups in Kangpokpi, leading to a clash with security forces that resulted in one civilian’s death due to bullet injuries.

The Meitei organisations have accused Kuki groups in Kangpokpi of attempting to prolong the unrest, while Kuki groups demand a political resolution before lifting restrictions on movement. The Meitei community argues that both free movement and political discussions can take place simultaneously, especially under President’s Rule in Manipur.

With Mukesh still missing, authorities are intensifying search efforts while keeping a close watch on escalating tensions. The case has reignited concerns over security in Manipur’s border areas, where the ethnic divide remains deeply rooted.