Bodies Of Woman And 2 Children Found In Manipur River, Linked To Missing Meitei Family

Authorities have discovered the bodies of a woman and two children in the Jiri River. These individuals are believed to be among six people missing from Jiribam, Manipur, since Monday.

The bodies were found on Friday evening and have been sent to Silchar Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem examination, according to Assam Police.

The missing group consisted of six family members: three women and three children, including an infant. They belonged to the Meitei community and had been residing in a relief camp at Borobekra police station after violence erupted in June. The descriptions of the bodies match those of the three missing individuals, although family identification is pending.

Search Operations and Allegations

Security officials reported that Assam Rifles personnel retrieved the bodies from Jirimukh, where the Jiri River converges with the Barak River. An official mentioned that there was information about bodies floating in the river, prompting their retrieval. The missing individuals included a grandmother, her two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Meitei groups have accused armed Hmar men, suspected militants, of abducting the family during an attack on Monday morning. This alleged abduction has sparked outrage in both Jiribam and the central Meitei-majority valley of Manipur. Demonstrations demanding their release have taken place as tensions rise.

Violence at Relief Camp

The relief camp where the family resided witnessed violence earlier this week. Security forces responded by shooting 10 armed men involved in the attack. Additionally, two elderly Meitei men from the same camp were found dead in the area recently.

Despite ongoing search operations for the missing family members, efforts had been unsuccessful until now. The discovery of these bodies has intensified concerns within the community as they await further developments.

This tragic incident highlights ongoing tensions and violence affecting communities in Manipur. As investigations continue, authorities are working to bring clarity to this distressing situation while addressing security concerns in affected areas.