Meitei Associations To Take Custody Of Six Deceased In Jiribam Violence, Plan Gathering At SMCH

The Coordination Committee on Crisis of Meetei/Manipuri and the Young Manipuri Council, Cachar unit among other associations have planned for a significant gathering at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) on November 22. They will receive the bodies of six Meitei individuals allegedly abducted and killed during the recent violence in Jiribam. The handover of bodies, according to the association’s intimation is scheduled to begin at 9 am, with members of the Meitei community and various associations in attendance.

The victims—Yurembam Rani Devi (60), Telam Thobi Devi (31), Telam Thajamanbi Devi (8), Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh (2.5), and Laishram Langamba Singh (8 months)—were allegedly abducted from a relief camp near Borobekra Police Station at Jakuradhor on the night of November 7. Over the past week, their bodies were recovered from areas such as Jirighat and Singirbond in Cachar district. Since Sunday, the bodies have been kept at SMCH’s morgue.

Family members and action committees in Manipur, however, have resisted taking custody of the deceased, citing unmet demands. “We have placed our demands before the Manipur Government, including the immediate arrest of those responsible, state honours for the deceased, and a permanent memorabilia in Jiribam. Until these are assured, we will not accept the bodies,” a member of the Action Committee had said on November 19.

The recovery of these bodies and their prolonged presence at SMCH reflect the tragic fallout of the violence that erupted in Jiribam. The victims were allegedly abducted following a gunfight between security forces and alleged Kuki militants near Jakuradhor, which claimed the lives of 10 militants. The unrest has since escalated ethnic clashes across Manipur.

Security measures are likely to be heightened at SMCH in anticipation of the gathering, as authorities aim to maintain peace during the handover.

Cachar SP, Numal Mahatta has made it clear in several occasions that the conflict within the territory of Manipur must not disturb peace and tranquillity in Cachar nor should it distupy the peaceful coexistence of various communities. Cachar Police will deploy forces in SMCH tomorrow too in order to maintain law and order situation.