Mortal remains of four Naga civilians killed in Manipur reach Senapati as UNC seeks justice and SIT probe into killings
IMPHAL — The mortal remains of four Naga civilians killed in an ambush by suspected armed militants along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday reached Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning amid a 12-hour Genna (mourning) observed in Naga areas in protest against the killings.
The deceased were identified as Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority; Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T Khullen; and Mariakdibou Wijunamai and Anil Wijunamai, both executives of Makui Youth Club.
The four were allegedly killed between Makui Ashang and Thanamba Naga villages along the IT Road, around 20 km west of Kangpokpi district headquarters, on Thursday.
Post-mortem examinations are scheduled to be conducted at Senapati District Hospital.
Large numbers of people gathered along the route to Senapati and at the reception point to pay their last respects to the deceased.
Meanwhile, Gaikamang Ringkangmai, who sustained grievous injuries in the attack, is undergoing treatment at Senapati District Hospital. Japou MK, who reportedly escaped the attack, is also at the hospital.
The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex Naga body in Manipur, condemned the killings and demanded that those responsible be arrested and brought to justice. It also called for a Special Investigation Team to probe the attack.
The UNC had announced a Genna from 6 am to 6 pm on Aug. 28 across Naga areas and district headquarters. During the observance, vehicle movement, shops and business establishments, and government and private educational institutions were to remain closed.
MBC seeks justice
Meanwhile, representatives of the Manipur Baptist Convention (MBC), led by General Secretary Rev. Dr Jolly Rimai, submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through Deputy Chief Minister Losii Dikho in Imphal on Friday, seeking justice for six Liangmai Naga civilians killed on May 13.
The MBC delegation apprised Dikho of the hardships faced by the bereaved families and expressed concern over the delay in resolving the matter.
The memorandum stated that the mortal remains of the six victims were still at the JNIMS mortuary in Imphal and called for justice before their families could accord them a dignified burial.
Its three-point charter of demands sought immediate and direct justice, support for bereaved families and safe passage for the burial of the victims.
The MBC representatives urged the government to act without further delay, ensure justice for the victims and take measures to prevent further escalation and restore peace and normalcy in Manipur.
Dikho heard the grievances and assured the delegation that the matter would be looked into and necessary support and assistance would be extended by the government.