UKHRUL: The kin of one of the victims in the ambush and killing of four Naga civilians between Makui Asang and Thanamba Naga village along the IT Road in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district by alleged Kuki militants has questioned the Manipur Government’s claim on “free movement” and demanded speedy justice. He also pleaded with citizens to prevent the mislabeling of his brother as an insurgent.
The kin, identified as Wichamdinbou Charenamei, is the younger brother of the victim, Wisobou Charenamei, a social worker who was the chairman of Chawangkining Village Authority and former Vice President of the Liangmai Naga Council.
Speaking to Ukhrul Times, Charenamei, who is a student, recounted receiving the news of his brother’s death while he was in Imphal, “The moment I received the news regarding this incident I was at Imphal because today is the first day of my third semester classes, I am a student. I was preparing, getting ready with my uniform when all of a sudden my niece informed me of this incident.”
Reflecting on his brother’s role in his life, he stated, “Today for the family, it is a great loss because he was a great leader, a great father, a great brother, a motivator and a prayer warrior. His absence is filled with emptiness. The family will never be the same without him.”
When asked of what he seeks from those responsible, Charenamei said, “The first thing I would like to say regarding responsibilities would be to the government of Manipur because as far as I know, the CM of Manipur declared that there would be free movement. They also flagged off a bus from ISBT, Imphal so my brother and his colleagues travelled for community service in the neighboring village. In doing this, they had the hope to travel freely but was met with this tragic incident.”
He also appealed to the public to stop mislabeling his brother as an insurgent, reiterating his brother’s work and standing as a social worker, and stating that the late Charenamei had extended his services not only to the Naga community but to the Kuki and Nepali communities as well.
“The second thing I would like to request is not to label my brother as an insurgent, he was the village chairman and a social worker not only for the Nagas but towards the Kukis as well. I know my brother has helped so many Kukis, we lived as neighbors together along the IT road. My brother has also helped multiple Nepalese. Therefore I request, every responsible citizens of this State and Nation to not label my brother as a ZUF-cadre or an NSCN-IM cadre because he is a social worker and he does not have any involvement with insurgent groups,” he stated.
Addressing the Manipur government, Charenamei stopped short of seeking revenge but demanded speedy justice, “I would like to demand justice, we are not seeking for revenge against the Kukis. We are not seeking for anything but we want a speedy trial. We want for facts to be established, we want swift justice.”
A condolence service titled “Condolence Service in Honour of Our Fallen Heroes” took place in Senapati on Saturday. The service featured the singing of a solidarity hymn, an invocation, and condolence messages from Naga civil society organizations.
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The mortal remains of the four – Wisobou Charenamai, chairman of the Chawangkining Village Authority and former vice-president of the Liangmai Naga Council; Tadsongbou Ringkangmai, founder and principal of Right Path School, T/Khullen; Mariakdibou Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club; and Anil Wijunamai, executive member of Makui Youth Club – were later taken to Chawangkining Liangmai Naga village, accompanied by community leaders, family members and friends, following the condolence service led by Rev. R.S. Abraham, president of SKABU.
A short condolence service was also held at Chawangkining village and organised by the Joint Tribe Council, Manipur, under the aegis of the UNC.
