DNA Test and Law and Order: Hmar Association Member Accuse Deliberate Delay in Handover of Bodies, Allege Foul Play

Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) is at the centre of national attention. The mortal remains of the 12 alleged militants who were gunned down in Jiribam, Manipur, continue to be the focus of Hmar associations across Assam. Members of various Hmar associations, along with independent individuals from the community, have been gathering and raising demands for dignity in death. Initially, they questioned the delay in the postmortems and the subsequent handover of the bodies, but the situation has now taken a new turn.

A member of a Hmar Association originating from Hmarkhawlien in Cachar spoke with Barak Bulletin. The member questioned the delay in handing over the bodies.

“After the prolonged delay, the postmortems of the ten bodies we have been claiming are finally complete. When we thought the bodies would be handed over to the respective family members, we are now hearing of a new development—a DNA test,” he said.

He further added, “What we have learned is that the Manipur Police wants to conduct DNA tests on the deceased to match them with those claiming the bodies. This is nothing but a violation of dignity in death.”

Questioning the motive behind the DNA tests, the member of the Hmar Association said, “This DNA test is nothing but another ploy to delay the handover of the bodies. They will send the samples to Guwahati and then claim it will take 15 days for the reports to be verified. When the bodies have been identified and there are claimants, what justifies the DNA test?”

The member concluded by saying, “This ploy by the Manipur Police and Manipur government to insult and insinuate against one particular community could trigger a law-and-order situation here in Cachar district, Assam, where we peacefully coexist. We urge the Manipur government and the politicians involved to cooperate with the families of the deceased.”

Cachar SP Numal Mahatta is keeping a close eye on the situation. “It is a case registered in Manipur, related to a law-and-order situation in the neighbouring state. As far as the postmortem and related processes are concerned, the Manipur Police are handling the situation in direct discussion with Silchar Medical College and Hospital. The Cachar Police’s only concern is maintaining law and order within its jurisdiction. We are taking steps to ensure peace and tranquillity are maintained,” said SP Mahatta while speaking with Barak Bulletin.

Sources in SMCH confirmed that the samples have been sent for DNA testing and that they have received instructions to hand over the bodies only after the samples are matched. The Principal of SMCH declined to comment on the matter.

Sources in the Manipur Police, however, assert that the deceased have been linked to a family kidnapped in Jiribam and that efforts are underway to broker peace and secure a safe rescue, leveraging the dead bodies kept in the morgue.