60 of the dead bodies lying in the morgues of Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) and Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal, Manipur were on Thursday airlifted to Churachandpur and Kangpokpi districts for burial amid tight security. The bodies were of people from Kuki-Zo community killed in the Manipur violence and had been lying in the morgues since early May 2023.
According to Ukhrul Times, “19 bodies were airlifted in two round trips at Motbung in Kangpokpi district and later the bodies were handed over to members of Committee on Tribal Unity representing the deceased families.” 41 bodies were airlifted to Lamka in Churachandpur district in four trips, it added. Mass burials will take place in both places.
The Supreme Court had earlier on 28 November 2023, directed Manipur Government to give the dead decent and dignified burials without interference from any party whatsoever.
In a statement released on Thursday, Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) said, “We remember their innocent lives cut short, their dreams forever unfurled. But amidst the sorrow, a flicker of hope ignites.”
It said that “months of agonizing wait”, today the bodies of their “martyrs” are back to their ancestral lands in Lamka and Kangpokpi. The return of our martyrs is not just a final journey, but a promise to carry their torch, to echo their voices, to ensure their sacrifices are not in vain, ITLF said.
The forum that comprises of the Paite Tribe Council, Kuki Inpi, Simte Tribe Council, Vaiphei People’s Council, Mizo People’s Convention, Hmar Inpui, United Zou Organisation, and Gangte Tribe Union also said that the sacrifice made by these people will be etched forever as “a testament to the enduring spirit of the Kuki-Zo people.” It further called upon the community to observe the day as a day remembrance and of resilience.
We will rise from the ashes of their loss, stronger and more united, demanding justice and a future free from violence, subjugation, discrimination, attempted annihilation, ITLF vowed.
