Manipur Violence: 9 Dead Bodies Handed Over At SMCH; Only “Rakhash” Can Kill Children, Says Family Member

The Meitei community on Friday received nine dead bodies, from Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), including the six women and children who were abducted. The victims were allegedly killed by Kuki militants, and the grieving family seeks justice.

The deceased included 60-year-old Yurembam Rani Devi, 31-year-old Telam Thoibi Devi, and her two young children – eight-year-old Telam Thajamanbi Devi and two-and-a-half-year-old Laishram Chingkheinganba Singh. Also among the dead were 25-year-old Laishram Heitonbi Devi, and her eight-month-old child Laishram Langamba Singh.

In addition to the six abduction victims, the Meitei community also retrieved the bodies of three others. Among them were Maibang Kesho Meitei, Laishram Baren Singh Meitei, and Khundrakpam Athouba. Two of them were reportedly shot dead by Kuki militants in Jiribam during the recent case of violence. The third victim, was a protester, who lost his life to police firing during demonstrations in Jiribam.

The victims had been abducted on 11 November by suspected Kuki militants from Jiribam. Their bodies were found five days later in the Barak River. Following a post-mortem at SMCH, the remains were handed over to their grieving families amidst heightened security and a tense atmosphere.

A family member, speaking to the media, broke into tears, questioning how anyone could commit such a heinous act against innocent children and women. She labelled the perpetrators as “Rakshas” (demons) and expressed anger towards the Manipur and central governments for their inaction. “The Prime Minister is touring foreign countries while Manipur has been burning for the past 18 months,” she stated. She also criticised the Manipur Chief Minister, calling him lesser than his counterpart in Assam.

Another member of the community condemned the killings and demanded immediate justice for the victims. He appealed to the central government to bring justice and ensure peace in the region, they seek immediate arrest of those who are responsible for these deaths. The community plans to stage further protests to press their demands.

The crisis in Manipur has been ongoing for months with no apparent solution in sight. The violence has led to the displacement of thousands, leaving many without homes or a sense of security. As the unrest continues to escalate, people are increasingly losing trust in the administration and the central government, criticising their silence and inaction.

During peaceful demonstrations, many questioned why the Prime Minister of the country remains silent while one of India’s states faces such a dire situation. The lack of a decisive response has deepened public frustration and fear, further compounding the volatile situation in the region.