In a harrowing incident in Manipur's Tengnoupal district, 13 Meitei men were discovered dead in Leithu – a forested area near the Myanmar border.
The shocking discovery by security forces followed inputs of a gunfight in the region, sending shockwaves through their communities. The victims, aged between 17 and 47, hailed from valley districts of Bishnupur, Imphal West, Imphal East, and Kakching, raising questions about how they ended up more than 100 kilometers away from their homes.
The bullet-riddled bodies were found on Monday morning, prompting authorities to transport them to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences in Imphal East. On Tuesday, the victims were identified, revealing a range of ages and diverse origins. The circumstances leading to their presence in Leithu remained shrouded in mystery.
The families of these men expressed profound shock and disbelief, with many unaware of their loved ones' whereabouts. Thingom Rosy, the younger sister of victim Thingom Rocky Singh, shared that their family had been displaced from Torbung due to violence. Rocky left after their relocation to a relief camp, and his family hadn't seen him since. He had sought blessings to fight for the motherland before departing.
Moirangthem Chaoba, sister of Moirangthem Kingson Singh, recounted his frequent absence from home, volunteering to aid those in need. Unaware of his involvement, she discovered his tragic fate through social media reports. Oinam Ratan, the elder brother of Oinam Loken Singh, expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing Loken's engagement in odd jobs and community activities.
The news triggered public outrage and mourning, evident in the hundreds who gathered at the JNIMS morgue. Women activists, Meira Paibis, orchestrated a shutdown of business establishments in Imphal city. A Joint Action Committee, comprising various civil society organizations, women's bodies, and victims' families, was formed. Their collective decision to bury the deceased in Andro village marks a poignant moment in response to this tragic event.
As Manipur grapples with the aftermath of this unsettling incident, questions linger about the circumstances leading to the deaths of these 13 men. The unfolding investigation and the grief-stricken communities demand answers and justice for the lives lost in this mysterious and devastating episode.
