IMPHAL: The post-mortem examinations of two Naga men allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur’s Makui village began after the missing head of one of the victims was recovered within the 48-hour deadline set by the Joint Tribe Council (JTC). However, the council has decided to continue its agitation until the alleged main perpetrators of the October 10 attack are arrested.
Mathiuchunbou Rimai, president of the Liangmai Students’ Union, Manipur, told reporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) that the state government informed them of the recovery of Ajinpou Ringkamai’s head from an area under Kangpokpi jurisdiction in the early hours of October 15.
The recovered remains were brought to JNIMS at around 1.30 am, shortly before the ultimatum expired, Rimai said.
Despite the recovery, the JTC has maintained its demand for the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, David Hangsing and Dr Sailen Haokip, whom it suspects of being the principal perpetrators of the attack. The allegations against the three have not been independently established.
The October 10 attack also claimed the life of Dibambou Ringkangmai, 48. The post-mortem examinations of both victims had been suspended pending the recovery of the missing head.
Describing the condition of the bodies, Rimai said the remains were severely mutilated and difficult to identify. He said Dibambou’s head had been badly damaged by stones, while both bodies had deteriorated significantly.
Ajinpou’s recovered head was also reportedly mutilated and swollen, with extensive skin damage, adding to the distress of the bereaved families and members of the community, Rimai said.
Several civil society organisations visited JNIMS to express solidarity with the families.
The JTC’s decision to continue its agitation indicates that the recovery of the missing remains has not resolved its demand for arrests in connection with the attack.
