Army officer kidnapped in Manipur, fourth such incident since conflict began

An Army officer, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Konsam Kheda Singh, was abducted from his home in Manipur's Thoubal district by "anti-social elements" on Friday, according to officials. The incident, occurring at 9 am while Singh was on leave, involved a group of individuals forcing their way into his house and taking him away in a vehicle.

Although the exact motive behind the abduction is unclear, initial reports suggest it may be linked to extortion, as Singh's family had previously received threats of this nature.

Upon receiving the information, a coordinated search operation has been launched by all security agencies to rescue the JCO. Currently, security personnel are conducting checks on all vehicles traveling along National Highway 102.


This incident marks the fourth such occurrence since the conflict in Manipur began, where soldiers, their relatives, or those on duty have been targeted by radical elements. In September 2023, an armed group kidnapped and killed Serto Thangthang Kom, a former Assam Regiment soldier stationed in Manipur's Leimakhong with the Defence Service Corps (DSC).

Two months later, an unidentified armed group abducted and killed four individuals who were traveling in an SUV from the hill district of Churachandpur to Leimakhong. These individuals were family members of an Army soldier serving in Jammu and Kashmir.

In another incident, an Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) from Manipur Police was attacked in his home in Imphal city on February 27. The attackers in this case were identified as members of a radical Meitei group called Arambai Tenggol (AT).

The security forces in Manipur have been facing challenges as they work towards restoring peace and normalcy in the region. The attacks on security forces and their families are strongly condemned, and perpetrators are urged to be caught and punished according to the law. Such incidents may lead to conditions for reimposing the Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act, or AFSPA, which allows for greater authority in dealing with threats to security.

Overall, the security situation in Manipur remains a concern, with ongoing efforts to address the root causes of conflict and ensure the safety of all residents.