Manipur Violence: 19 Kuki-Zo killed in ethnic conflict laid to rest at Phaijang village Kangpokpi

Kangpokpi: The final rites of the 19 Kuki-Zo tribals killed in Manipur violence were performed on Friday with thousands of people, including the victims’ kins attended the mass burial programme in Kangpokpi district. 

The 19 deceased, including the seven-year-old boy, Tonsing Hangshing and his mother, were finally laid to rest at Martyr’s cemetery at Phaijang village, about 20 km from district headquarters. 

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Under the theme “You sacrifice your today for our tomorrow”, the mass burial programme was organised by Committee on Tribal Unity, Sadar Hills, a Kuki civil body active in Kangpokpi.

On Thursday, total 60 bodies of people belonging to the Kuki-Zo community were flown from Imphal to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts. Similarly, the bodies of four Meites lying at Churachandpur district hospital morgue since the conflict erupted on May 3 were also airlifted to Imphal valley for their last rites.

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The airlifting exercises of the bodies which were lying in morgues in Imphal and Churachandpur took place only after the Supreme Court issued directive last month to the state government for dignified disposal of unclaimed bodies. The transportation of the 64 mortal remains, including that of 4 Meiteis, were carried out under tight security measures.

To express honour and respect to the departed souls, killed in the conflict, the CoTU called for a 12-hour shutdown for the funeral service in Kangpokpi district from Friday 5 am till 5 pm.

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In a statement issued on Thursday evening, the Committee said “The much-awaited homecoming of our fallen brothers and sisters after a long tumultuous eight months of despair, heartbreak and hopelessness have eventually reached their resting place here in our homeland. And we will honour our fallen Kuki-Zo brethrens with the highest burial rites on Friday at Martyr Cemetery at Phaijang.”

Also read | CoTU calls 12-hr total shutdown in Kangpokpi for funeral; says ‘appreciate SC’s intervention’

While appealing to the public to extend cooperation, the Committee said that emergency services and funeral parties are exempted from the shutdown.

Meanwhile, as per the Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum members, the funeral service for the 41 bodies flown to Churachandpur is likely to take place next week, along with 24 other victims lying at the district hospital morgue.

On the other hand, the four dead bodies belonging to the Meitei community were airlifted from Churachandpur district. Dead bodies of Abhujam Ibemhal, Ksh Sunilkumar and Soibam Othello were claimed by respective families. However, the body of Ibochou was deposited at JNIMS morgue after the family failed to claim it.

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