The post-mortem examinations of two Naga men allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants in Makui village of Manipur began after the severed 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 the community of the recovery of the missing head from an area under Kangpokpi district in the early hours of October 15.
The remains of Ajinpou Ringkamai’s head 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 put on hold pending the recovery of Ajinpou’s missing head.
Describing the condition of the bodies, Rimai said both had been severely mutilated and had deteriorated considerably, making identification difficult. He said Dibambou’s head had been badly damaged by stones.
The recovered remains of Ajinpou’s head were 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 of the two victims.
The JTC’s decision to continue its agitation indicates that the recovery of the missing remains has not resolved the community’s demand for the arrest of those allegedly responsible for the October 10 killings.