Manipur: Three Bodies Found Days After Family Was Abducted In Jiribam

In a grim development, decomposed bodies of two children including a few-month-old infant and a woman were found near Manipur-Assam border on Friday. Officials could not confirm immediately whether the bodies belonged to the family who was abducted earlier this week by suspected militants in Jiribam. The bodies were found along a riverbank, around 15-20 km from where the family was abducted. So far, the bodies have been sent to Silchar for identification, and if their identity cannot be confirmed conventionally, a DNA test will be conducted, officials said.

The Ongoing Manipur Conflict and Abduction of Family

This discovery comes after a spate of violent incidents in the state. On Tuesday, two civilians were found dead in Jiribam – just one day after security forces gunned down 10 suspected militants during an attack on a CRPF post. At the same time, six members of a Meitei family from the same village, including three women and three children, were reported missing. The authorities suspect that the family was probably abducted by militants. Another family member, Laishram Herojit, described the horror: “My wife, two children, mother-in-law, sister-in-law and her child were abducted from the house. I was at home when they were taken by militants. I urge the government in New Delhi to please intervene and rescue my family.”

Security Concerns Amid Escalating Violence

Manipur has been locked in intense violence since May of the previous year, with tensions soaring between different communities. This has led to heightened military presence and new rounds of protests in the state. Protesters erupted at several locations, particularly the tribal-dominated Churachandpur district, after Friday’s killing of 10 people in the Jiribam gunfight. Demonstrators said the dead were not militants but village volunteers who had been protecting their communities. Ngaineikim, president, Kuki Women Organisation For Human Rights, which took out a protest rally at Lamka, seemed shocked over the killing. “We have submitted a memorandum to the home minister and the NHRC. The killing of villagers by CRPF is an ultimate violation of human rights.”

Demands for Justice and Accountability

Protesters also demanded the CRPF personnel in the buffer zone be replaced with Assam Rifles so that bloodshed does not recur. A protester pointed out, “They killed tribal volunteers, not terrorists; they were trying to protect innocent villagers from the Meiteis’ attacks.”. We are asking for judicial inquiry into the incident. The people of the Imphal valley, forming the majority of the Meitei populace, have shown stiff opposition to the re-imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which has long been an issue of concern for many in the region. This is an example of the present government being irresponsible and cowardly and failing to maintain law and order,” said Lourembam Nganbi, president, Apunba Manipur Kanba Ima Lup. “Afspa can never restore peace in Manipur. People have already witnessed its impact.”

Protest continues over the reimposition of AFSPA

The renewal of AFSPA has elicited huge protests; protesters demand the revocation of the act. Nganbi targeted even the top leadership by stating that “if you don’t have the strength to protect the people of Manipur, step down from your position.” These protests come amid public outrage over the government’s failure to rein in violence in the state, where many are demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi speak up over this situation rather than remain silent.

Assam family suffers; tensions intensify

In Assam, agitations persisted outside the Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where family members of those killed on Monday’s gunfight demanded the release of the bodies for proper burial. Officials said that DNA profiling of all 10 deceased men is still held by police forces and may take some time. Both Manipur and Assam remain tense, as no solution has been found yet.

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