Imphal, Jan 13: The Manipur Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) has directed the concerned authorities to facilitate the participation of two minor children of late Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi in their mother’s last rites and related death rituals.
In an order issued on Monday, the Commission said it received a representation from the relatives of the deceased and the convenor of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed in connection with her alleged unnatural death. The plea sought official assistance to ensure the minor children could attend the funeral and associated religious ceremonies.
The last rites of Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi are scheduled to be held on January 13, 2026, at her parental family’s crematorium at Iram Siphai under Wangoi Police Station, in accordance with customary practices.
Clarifying its stand, the MCPCR stated that the direction is purely facilitative in nature and does not relate to custody matters or reflect any opinion on issues under investigation. The Commission emphasised that participation in the last rites and death-related rituals of a parent is an inalienable right of children.
Invoking its powers under Section 13 of the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, the MCPCR directed the police to make adequate security and facilitation arrangements to ensure the children can safely attend the funeral, Asti Sanchay (Mangani Leihun) and Shraddha (Lanna Thouram) rituals without obstruction.
Khaidem Ongbi Chaoba Devi was found dead on December 27 near her residence at Thiyam Leishangkhong under Wangoi Police Station, a day after she was reported missing. The incident sparked strong suspicion among family members and locals, leading to damage to the property of the deceased’s husband and police intervention, including the use of tear gas, to control the situation.
So far, four persons have been arrested in connection with the case. The deceased’s husband and mother-in-law have been remanded to judicial custody, while two other suspects have also been taken into custody. Although the family and the JAC initially refused to claim the body demanding a fair investigation, they later agreed to proceed with the last rites after the legal process began.
