Zomi Council Demands Same Yardstick Application for All Missing Person Cases

Ukhrul, March 30: The Zomi Council, accusing the Manipur State Government of being biased in dealing with missing person cases in the state, has demanded the application of the same yardstick for all. This was said in a rejoinder to the Home Department’s press release of 29 March 2025, where a Rs 10 lakh reward was announced for information leading to the safe return of one Luwangthem Mukesh.

Stating that the state government’s glaring partiality in addressing missing persons cases is starkly alarming, the Zomi Council said that swift and decisive follow up even huge cash reward was offered in the case of the missing person, yet analogous disappearances from the Zomi community, including the abduction of Muangpu Langel of Vengnuam Jiribam by Arambai Tenggol on June 6, 2024 have been ignored with callous indifference. It also stated that despite relentless appeals, no substantive measures have been initiated, leaving the cases of over 11 untraced marginalized individuals denied even nominal attention.

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The council, highlighting the Rs 10 lakh reward for credible information leading to the recovery of a missing person in the Imphal Valley, called for the same standards to be applied in all cases to ensure justice, particularly for the Zomi community and tribal groups throughout the state. Additionally, this significant disparity highlights systemic discrimination that requires immediate correction.

“Complacency is not an option. Should justice remain elusive, every democratic recourse will be vigorously pursued to ensure fundamental rights to equality, ensuring equal protection under the law,” the council cautioned.

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