IMPHAL (MANIPUR), India: The last rites of the two missing persons namely Atom Samarendra and Yumkhaibam Kirankumar of Khumbong Mayai Leikai, Imphal West were performed without the bodies of the deceased.
Unexplained disappearances and reports of missing people have been recurring throughout the conflict that erupted on May 3 in Churachandpur. Last rites of two missing persons namely Atom Samarendra and Yumkhaibam Kirankumar of Khumbong Mayai Leikai, Imphal West were performed without the bodies of the deceased on Friday.
The two persons went missing on May 6, 2023, and since then the police have been unable to recover their bodies and have remained untraceable.
In accordance with traditional Meitei belief, the burial was performed with a “Pangong” to replace the bodies of the deceased.
During the ceremony, memorial stones commemorating the merits of both persons were also unveiled.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ceremony, Imphal West Khumbong Students’ Club President Oinam Samarendra expressed regret over the inability of state authorities to ascertain the exact whereabouts of the two persons until now.
“Both were exceptional individuals who dedicated their lives to bring peace and unity in Manipur. But unfortunately families are still longing for the bodies of their loved ones who are still at large,” he said.
He emphasized that the club organized the entire ceremony to honor two individuals and to bring closure to both families.
Both played key roles in the functioning of the club as such, we decided to organize the entire ceremony in their honor, he added.
He further appealed to all the patriots of Manipur to fight the evil of Chin Kuki Narco terrorist and bravely defend Manipur from their onslaught.
“Manipur is an amalgamation of different communities but we should repel those who threaten our integrity and unity,” he said.
AMJWU President Khogendra Khomdram, Health Minister Sapam Ranjan among others also briefly attended the ceremony.
