In a disturbing continuation of violence in Manipur, an Army officer, Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) Konsam Kheda Singh, has been abducted from his residence in the Thoubal district amidst ongoing ethnic strife.

The incident occurred at approximately 9 am, marking it as the fourth such abduction since the outbreak of ethnic violence in the northeastern border state in May of the previous year. Sources said that efforts of various security agencies to initiate a search operation to locate and rescue JCO Singh, reports NDTV. The operations include rigorous checks of all vehicles along National Highway 102, although the motive behind this abduction remains unclear.

This unsettling event follows closely on the heels of another abduction involving a senior police official by a radical Meitei organization just ten days prior, as reported by Indian Express. The surge in such incidents has escalated tensions in Manipur, leading to a symbolic "arms down" protest by Manipur Police commandos, highlighting the perilous situation for those tasked with maintaining law and order.

The recent abductions and attacks are not isolated incidents but part of a series of violent acts targeting security personnel in the state. Previously, a former soldier and family members of an Indian Army soldier were kidnapped and killed, underscoring the volatility and the grim reality of the conflict in Manipur.

These abductions and assaults have prompted calls for increased security measures, including the deployment of central paramilitary forces in the valley districts, where the Armed Forces Special Powers Act does not apply, unlike in the hill districts.

Manipur's Inspector General of Police (IGP) I K Muivah has voiced concerns over the efficacy of police operations in these troubled times, suggesting the necessity of central forces' presence to uphold law and order in the valley districts.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 212 people reported dead over more than ten months of unrest.

The state and its security forces remain on high alert as they navigate the complexities of this prolonged conflict, striving to restore peace and order while ensuring the safety of its citizens and personnel amidst a backdrop of uncertainty and fear.