Imphal, Oct. 18 -- The United Peoples of Manipur (UPM) has demanded the immediate formation of specialised search teams to locate people missing in the ongoing conflict. The organisation said financial assistance cannot replace the need for closure.

The demand follows a state cabinet decision to allocate Rs 4.90 crore in special humanitarian assistance to the families of 49 missing individuals.

According to a UPM statement, civil society organisations have verified that at least 31 to 32 Meitei individuals, including minors, remain missing.

The organisation said the remains of one teenager were recovered in January 2024, while several high school students and other people remain unaccounted for. It also said the government's failure to...