Jiribam Civil Body to Bring Back Bodies from Assam Hospital for Last Rites Following Violence

The Joint Action Committee in Jiribam, formed after the tragic deaths of nine Meitei community members, plans to return the bodies to their villages in Manipur for final rites. These bodies had been kept at Silchar Medical College and Hospital for autopsies. Committee convenor Y Sanjoy confirmed this decision through a video message.

Following a gunfight on November 11 between security forces and suspected Kuki-Zo militants, nine individuals went missing. This confrontation resulted in the deaths of ten insurgents. The next day, two elderly men's charred remains were discovered among the ruins of burned homes and shops in Jakuradhor, Jiribam district.

Violence and Recovery of Bodies

In subsequent days, the bodies of three women and three children were found floating in rivers in Jiribam and Assam’s Cachar district. These individuals were allegedly abducted from a relief camp in Jiribam's Borobekra area by suspected militants. The bodies were severely decomposed when recovered and taken to SMCH for autopsy.

The deceased included Yumrembam Rani Devi, aged 60, Telem Thoibi Devi, aged 31, her daughter Telem Thajamanbi Devi, aged 8, Laishram Heithoibi Devi, aged 25, and her two children: Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh, aged 2.5 years, and Laishram Lamnganba Singh, aged 10 months.

Community Response and Demands

The discovery of these bodies led to intense mob violence in Jiribam district and Imphal valley. During these protests, Kh Athouba was killed by alleged security force firing. His body was also sent to SMCH for post-mortem examination.

Initially, the committee decided not to proceed with last rites until the Manipur government promised action against those responsible for the killings. However, after the case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation, they agreed to bring back the bodies for burial.

Calls for Justice and Compensation

The committee has demanded compensation for the victims' families and government jobs for their relatives. They also called for action against the Hmar Village Volunteers group, accused of threatening Meitei community members before the attacks.

Jiribam had largely remained peaceful amid clashes in Imphal Valley until violence erupted after a farmer's mutilated body was found in June this year. The community now seeks justice and peace following these tragic events.