The discovery of 13 bodies after a gunfight in Manipur's Tengnoupal district has sent shockwaves through the region, leaving families bewildered and grieving. The bodies, identified as Meitei men, were found in Leithu, a forested area near the Myanmar border, prompting questions from their families who were unaware of how they ended up over 100 kilometers from their homes.
Security forces stumbled upon the bullet-riddled bodies on Monday following reports of a gunfight in the area. The deceased, aged between 17 and 47, hailed from various valley districts including Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching.
For the families of these victims, the circumstances leading to their loved ones' presence in Leithu remain a mystery. Thingom Rosy, the younger sister of one victim, recounted that her family had been displaced from Torbung to a relief camp in Thangmeiband. Her brother, Thingom Rocky Singh, left shortly after their relocation, leaving the family in distress as they hadn't seen him since.
Similarly, Moirangthem Chaoba, the elder sister of Moirangthem Kingson Singh, shared that her brother had been volunteering to assist those in need amid the ongoing violence. She had no reason to suspect anything unusual when he left home two days before the tragic incident, only discovering the truth after seeing reports on social media.
Oinam Ratan, the elder brother of Oinam Loken Singh, mentioned that his brother frequently engaged in community activities and odd jobs. His sudden absence, as usual, led the family to believe he was involved in volunteer work until the distressing news surfaced.
The unsettling discovery led to protests and demonstrations in the region, with crowds gathering at the JNIMS morgue and women activists initiating a shutdown of business establishments in Imphal city. A Joint Action Committee formed by various organizations and victims' families decided to lay the deceased to rest in Andro village.
The inexplicable circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths have left the affected families and communities in Manipur reeling, seeking answers and closure amid the ongoing turmoil.
