IMPHAL: The identification of the six Naga men found murdered on June 10 were carried out by the victims’ family members in the presence of medical experts, police and a team from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) on Thursday.
Two family members from each victim participated in the identification process, which began around 2 PM and continued late into the evening.
According to Inspector General of Police (Zone II), Worngam Ningshen, IPS, the recovery of the bodies followed an intensive search operation involving Manipur police, CRPF, Assam Rifles, forensic teams and sniffer dogs. The six mortal remains are suspected to be those of the Naga hostages abducted on May 13.
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“The investigation is ongoing and identification will be completed soon. The case has now been handed over to the NIA, and we will fully cooperate and support their investigation,” said the police official.
Speaking to media persons after the identification process, Paisho Thiumai, younger brother of Rev Dr Manu Thiumai, revealed that the families were unable to fully identify all the recovered bodies due to the severe condition of the remains.
According to him, family members could fully identify only one body, believed to be that of Dilip Thiumai. He said that the nature of the remains appeared to have been thrown into the water with his hands tied behind his back.
“Only Dilip Thiumai’s body is relatively intact,” he said.
Paisho further stated that the remaining bodies were found in a highly mutilated condition.
“The rest of the bodies were totally mutilated. They were butchered and beheaded. We couldn’t see any intact joints. This is horrific. We are deeply angry and broken by this entire inhuman act,” he said.
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Expressing disappointment over the government’s response, Paisho said the families were losing faith in the authorities as the bodies were recovered only on Wednesday, many days after the alleged abduction.
“We feel like we’ve been played. We want to tell the government once again to make things right and deliver justice. We are hoping that they can do it if they truly want to,” he added.
Home minister Govindas Konthoujam, Hill Areas Committee (HAC) chairman Dinganglung Gangmei, former chief minister N Biren Singh, Chingai MLA Khashim Vashum and Phungyar MLA Leishiyo Keishing also visited the JNIMS mortuary, extending their condolences and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and community leaders.
According to former chief minister N Biren Singh, the gesture shown by the United Naga Council (UNC) and the Naga community for ensuring the safe release of the 14 Kuki individuals is highly commendable. However, he expressed deep regret over the tragic deaths of six Naga individuals.
Singh emphasised the urgent need for the government to take prompt and appropriate action to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice without delay. He also expressed optimism that with the appointment of a new Director General of Police (DGP) and recent changes within the law and order department, the situation in the state would gradually improve.
“I have full trust in the present DGP, and I am confident that the enhanced security measures will help restore peace in the state,” he stated.
N Biren Singh urged all communities to remain calm and to reject violence, stating that violence has no place in humanity.
“Whatever the grievances or problems, we should resolve them through dialogue and discussion. Only then can every crisis be addressed and peace prevail in the state of Manipur,” the former chief minister added.
