Feb. 18, 2025: The Families of Involuntary Disappearance Association of Manipur (FIDAM) today expressed grave concern and sought urgent attention regarding the enforced disappearances in Manipur, dating back to September 23, 1980.
The first such incident involved Thokchom Lokendro, who went missing after the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) 1958. The most recent case was that of Laishram Kamal Babu, who disappeared from the 57th Mountain Division military garrison at Leimakhong on November 25, 2024.
FIDAM emphasized the devastating impact of enforced disappearances, citing a report from the Human Rights Council (HRC), which noted that such violations are a severe form of terror and crime under international law. The report stressed that these disappearances cause irreparable damage not only to the victims and their families but also to society as a whole.
FIDAM has urgently called for action on the cases of enforced disappearances in Manipur. The organization demands that the Government of Manipur request the Department of Home to provide a detailed report on 24 cases from 1980 to 2012 and explain why justice has not been served.
They also call for an independent investigation team, chaired by a retired judge, to examine these cases within six months, with involvement from civil society organizations and victim families.
FIDAM has urged the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and Defense to provide a list of individuals responsible for the disappearances. The organization seeks technical support and cooperation from the UN Human Rights Council’s Working Group on Enforced Disappearances.
Finally, FIDAM demands that all perpetrators be held accountable and punished, ensuring justice for the victims. The association remains committed to seeking justice and calls for immediate action from the government and international bodies.
Photo Courtesy : https://www.khalvontawi.in/2014/12/8-human-skulls-recovered-in-imphal.html
