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Mr. Jupiter Yambem is one
of the Manipuris living in the US. He also happened to be the only Manipuri
working at the WTC on that fateful 11th sept morning.
He left for work as usual early that day too and the last communication
made with him was the call to his cell by his wife Nancy. After the incident,
when phone lines got cleared, his cell phone rings when called at, but
is not picked up. Nancy, Shanti (his son)
and his family at Imphal are worried. So are all the Manipuris in the
US, who are trying to locate him. Worried are the near and dear ones too
elsewhere.
16th September 2001, 5 days since the WTC collapsed, the worst fears of
Manipuris worldwide came to a reality. The mortal remains of Mr. Jupiter
Yambem was found from the rubble and was identified by his wife.
This page will continue to document updates/informations leading to his
last rites as a tribute to him and the Manipuri community in the US as we
continue to pray for the departed soul and the family.
Jupiter at the NAMA meet recently with son Shanti
I would like to thank all of you who have shown so much love
and support throughout this horrific time. I know that Jupiter
was loved by so many and I will never forget all that was done
to try to find him. Santi and I will get through this with your
continued love and prayers. We must always keep Jupiter in our
hearts and keep his memory alive.
Please know that we love you.
Nancy & Santi
Rita Thokchom
North American Manipur Association (NAMA)
Tuesday, September 18, 2001: Jupiter Yembam, the younger brother of Manipur Human Rights commission member Laba Yambem was missing since the terrorist attack on the September 11. His body was identified later by New York Police and was cremated on September 18 at the Cedar Hill Crematorium in New York. In the presence of his family and friends, last rites were performed as per American and Manipuri traditions.
The serene atmosphere and the mountains in the vicinity of the crematorium, reminding the beauty of the Manipur gave an emotional farewell to Jupiter, who was a great lover of Manipur, Manipuri Art and Culture. He was gentle yet a powerful unifying force holding Manipuris together in North America. Jupiter had many dreams. He wanted all Manipuris, who are far away from their homeland to maintain their cultural links with Manipur. He was particularly interested in teaching the second generation Manipuris about their rich culture and heritage.
In the last three NAMA conventions that I personally attended, Jupiter was the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. He was the one, who brought and cooked fish in Manipuri style in all our meetings. Jupiter would bring traditional Manipuri items and put it on display. At the end, he would always play the pung for our traditional Thanbal Chongba. In the last NAMA convention he volunteered to organize a Sumang Lila and a childrens' cultural camp. He never accepted excuses for not attending Manipuri cultural activities. Jupiter was a very busy man yet he found time to get involved in various activities.
Jupiter always wanted to do something for Manipur. He considered that as a duty of every Manipuri. One of his ideas that he shared with my husband was to promote software development work in Manipur that would create job opportunities in Imphal. He was also very interested in a project to collect computers from different institutions in the US and send it to schools in Manipur so that children can benefit.
Jupiter Yambem was married to Nancy. His son Shanti is five-years old. Jupiter was a perfect gentleman and friend to everyone. He always believed that there would be peace in Manipur some day and Manipuris will prosper. He would calmly resolve even the most disputed issues yet his life was taken away violently and abruptly.
There are over 5,000 people missing from the World Trade Center. Their families are still waiting. Several fire fighters and rescue workers perished in their attempt to save life. Even in this great time distress, we are thankful that the rescue workers found him, and now he can rest in peace. On behalf of NAMA, I want to express our deepest condolences to his wife Nancy, Shanthi and all his family members.
Tears roll down on everyone's' cheeks when the last rites were performed. Even the men cried. As I watch Shanti looking in bewilderment without exactly realizing that his loving father is gone, I cried uncontrollably. I never had brothers. I called Jupiter, Tamo.
Tamo, we all will miss you very much.
Rita Thokchom
North American Manipur Association (NAMA)
Source: NDTV.com
Wednesday, September 19, 2001 (New York): A week after the collapse of the World Trade Centre, 200 Indians are still
missing. The Indian consulate has now positively certified that 38 Indians
were definitely in the twin towers at the time of the attack. For Nancy
Yambem the agonizing wait and uncertainty is over. Her husband Jupiter
Yambem is the only Indian who has been confirmed dead.
It is now believed that the explosions that melted steel and reduced two of
the world's greatest towers to rubble may have also simply vaporized
hundreds of human beings. Their bodies may never be found.
After a week of scanning though records, Indian officials say that they know
of 38 Indians who are missing.
But till now the body of only one Indian has been identified. Manipur-born
Jupiter Yambem who worked as a manager for a restaurant on top of the World
Trade Centre.
Jupiter lived with his family about 60 km from New York in the town of
Beakon. He had a five-year-old son Shanti and an American wife Nancy.
Jupiter and Nancy were just a month away from celebrating their tenth
wedding anniversary. "Our anniversary is October 12 and we had a lot of
plans. Many many plans for our future. That's what is hardest. The whole
thing, it's over," says a distraught Nancy Yambem.
Jupiter came to the United States 21 years ago. But he never gave up his
Indian citizenship. Today his brother arrived in New York to take back his
ashes to India.
"He had decided to settle down in America. That's the place he wanted to
work and lived so the cremation should be done there and that's where Nancy
and Shanti desire and after that is over I will take the ashes back to
Manipur," Jupiter's brother Angamba Yambem said.
But as Nancy and Shanti begin to put their life back together they have only
one consolation. "Of course I want my husband with me and I want him for the
rest of my life and my son. But at least we know now and have proof that he
has gone and we could do the cremation but some people never have that,"
says Nancy.
Jupiter Yambem
We now have definitive news about Jupiter. His body have been
found by the rescue people and brought to Bellevue Hospital in
NYC. The Manipuri community and friends and relatives have been
dreading such a news since 11 September. Further deatils of the
last rites, etc. are being worked out.
I have known Jupiter since his college days personally and also
as a brother of my friend Sanamani. He was among the few who
worked hard to form an organization of people from Manipur in
North America, leading to the founding of North American Manipur
Association (NAMA). He was a president of NAMA and a leader whose
cordiality and friendliness always brought people together.
No words can express our sense of loss and we will cherish our
memory of Jupiter.
Tamo Jupiter is no longer with us
Dear E-Pao Team and all the brothers and sisters of Manipur:
I am very sorry to inform that our fears have come true.
Tamo Jupiter is no longer with us. I spoke to Nancy's father
and he told the most hearthbreaking news that the police have
identified Tamo Jupiter's body.
Please pray to god to give the strength that his family now needs.
Rita
[Sun, 16 Sep 2001 14:28:18 -0400]
Tamo Jupiter
I cannot believe that Tamo Jupiter has passed away.
I met him last Oct when our whole family went to NY City for
my brother's wedding. The reception which was held where Tamo
Jupiter worked" Windows on the World " at the World Trade Centre
and all of us along with Tamo Jupiter and Nancy had a wonderful
time dancing and we even did Thabal Chongba and who knew he will
be gone so soon.
My heart goes out to Nancy and Shanti and his family in Imphal.
I pray that God gives them the strength to bear the pain.
May his soul rest in peace
Manjoo
Source:The Imphal Free Press/Kanglaonline
IMPHAL, Sept 12: Jupiter Yambem, president of the North American Manipuri Association, NAMA, and younger brother of Manipur Human Rights Commission, member, Yambem Laba, is reported to be among those missing after yesterday�s terrorist attacks that destroyed the World Trade Centre twin towers in New York.
Jupiter works as the manager of the Window restaurant situated on the 107th floor of the north tower of the WTC, and was reported to be in office when the attack happened.
His American wife, Nancy McCardle Yambem, informed Jupiter�s relatives in Manipur that she spoke to her husband on the phone at 7 am on the fateful day.
Jupiter�s mobile telephone still rings when dialed, but is not picked up, increasing the anxiety of his family.
Yambem Laba on behalf of their father, Yambem Tombi Singh, Jupiter�s wife Nancy, and only son Chinglai Lakpa, and other family member appealed to all friends and well wishers to pray for Jupiter�s well being.
The current chairperson of the NAMA, Rita Thokchom, said her association is doing all in its power to locate Jupiter.
The NAMA has also informed the New York police, the Red Cross, hospitals of Jupiter�s missing status.
Source: The Sangai Express/E-Pao
Imphal, September 12: Jupiter Yambem, the younger brother of Manipur Human
Rights commission member Yambem Laba and founder president of the North
American Manipuri Association has been reported missing following the
attack and devastation on the World Trade Centre (WTC) in New York yesterday
morning.
Jupiter is working as the senior manager of the world�s restaurant called
the �Windows on the World� located on the 107th floor of the Northern
Tower of the WTC, which was first slammed by an aircraft which was hijacked
earlier at 8.42 am New York time.
According to Jupiter�s wife, Nancy McCardle Yambem, he was at work when
the attack took place and had spoken to him on the phone at 7 am.
Altogether about 1200 people are said to have been evacuated before the
building collapsed.
The police, Red Cross and all the hospitals have been informed abut Jupiter�s
missing status.
His mobile phone bearing number 001-917-270-2034 is still ringing but
without any response.
According to Rita Thokchom, the current chairperson of the North American
Manipuri Association, all Manipuris located in New York are assisting
in trying to locate Jupiter.
At the moment no outsiders are allowed to enter New York City, which has
been sealed.
Laba, the elder brother of the missing persons, on behalf of their father
Yambem Tombi including Jupiter�s wife Nancy, son Chinglai Lakpa would
like to appeal to all friends and well wishers to join them in their prayer
for his safety and well being.
Safety for uncle Jupiter Yambem
to all those manipuris in new york, please can u keep me updated on the
whereabouts of my uncle Mr.Jupiter yambem who works in the WTC at the
top floor. my family members are all very anxious for any information
on my uncle. those having any information, please mail me at this e-mail
address...[email protected].
my sincere regards to aunty Nancy and santi yambem.
thanking u all,
the yambem family.
Please give Kaka Jupiter enough strengh
I on behalf of all the yambem families in India thank e-pao group for praying for kaka's safety. we all are very worried about our kaka. but i feel from the bottom of my heart that he is safe and sound.
please let me know the lastest news about our kakajupiter.we all are praying for his safety at our homes and i request others to please do the same .please mail me the information to [email protected]
poirei yambem
s/o yambem tejendra singh
the yambem family.
Prayer
To
EIGI NUNGSHIRABA INAO,
Y. JUPITER
It is said, "Being a mortal, never pray for an untroubled life; But ask the gods to give you an enduring heart".........
Sonney
[Thu, 13 Sep 2001 11:35:15 -0400]
Tamo Jupiter
Dear E-Pao team:
There is still no news about Tamo Jupiter. Indian embassy has published the list of Indians who are being treated in the hospitals but Tamo's name is not there. Here is the site (click):
List of NRIs/PIOs admitted in the hospitals of New York in the aftermath attack at the World Trade Center. Nationality not necessarily be Indian.
Let us keep praying. I know Tamo is there somewhere.
Rita
A message to my beloved younger brother "Jupiter Yambem"
Jupiter, wherever u are, i know, u must be fine. praying
for u.Don't lose hope. no matter what happens we all are always
with u.
Remember GOD is with u.
with love n' prayers
ur loving sister
karuna.
We pray to God
From our bottom of heart we pray to God for the safety of our Nungshiraba Inao,
Yambem Jupiter who happened to be at the World Trade Center on that fateful day of 11 Sepember.
We also express our sorrowful solidarity with his family,
specially Nancy & Shanti.
Manihar, Shanti, Likla, Leichin, Lan, the Thokchoms
The Federal Emergency Management Administration is seeking
cell phone numbers of the missing at the World Trade Center. Special
technology may track the phones, which may aid in finding remains.
[www.cnn.com]
We pray for his safety
The Manipuri community in Australia would like to extend our
deepest concern & best wishes to Tamo Laba and his extended family
regarding the fate of his missing brother in NY.
We pray for his safety. We also pray for the fate of the other
missing manipuri, Laishram Prabin.
R.M.
Sydney
I pray to Ishwar
I am extremely sorry to learn that Mr. Jupiter yumbem
a Manipuri living in USA is missing with other victims
of attack on World Trade Center,N.Y. I pray to Ishwar
for his safety so that rescuers can find him alive.
His family and we the Manipuris as well can't
afford to miss him.
Brojo,
Montreal, Canada
We pray for Nancy and for lil Shanti
Indira
Toronto, Canada
We are shocked to hear the terrible tragedy and we pray for Nancy
and for lil Shanti and all their near and dear ones in this hard times.
Indira, Gaur, Rhea and Rishi
To,
Jupiter Yambem and Prabin Laishram familes
Our deepest thoughts are with you.
MELBOURNE MANIPURI COMMUNITY
I extend my heartfelt condolence to Nancy for the loss of her huaband Y. Jupiter,
victim of terrorist attack on World Trade Center and her son Shanti
and to their nearest and dearest relatives.
I pray to God to give them strenght to bear this
unthinkable sorrow and the soul of the deceased be peacefully
rest in heaven.
Prasanna Kumar Thokchom (Tombi)
New York
We pray to God, his soul (Y. Jupiter)rest in heaven in peace,
and give his family strenght to bear his lost.
Manihar, Shanti, Likla, Leichin, Lan
Canada
To Nancy, Santi, Laba, Angomba, Yambem Tombi, Sanamani,
and all who mourne Jupiter, I never stopped thinking about Jupiter
from the moment of the first news flashes about the attacks. I know
that whatever happened, he would have taken care of the guests and employees
in the restaurant before trying to save himself.
He was such a loving, caring, gentle, and strong person.
Jupiter was a great lover of Manipuri arts and culture.
he always asked Guruji to sing some old songs from childhood
while playing the pung. Noopur still remembers being invited to perform
Krishna Avishar at Nancy and Jupiter's wedding in New York.
In recognition of his contributions to the Manipuri community abroad,
our upcoming performances at the IDEA Indian Dance Festival,
on November 16th, 2001, will be dedicated to his memory.
The entire "Jhankaar" festival has been declared a fundraiser
for victims of terrorism and their families. May the immortals
shower blessings on Jupiter's soul as he makes his next steps
on the path of enlightenment. Blessed are those who mourne,
for they shall be comforted.
Respectfully,
Christel, Noopur, and Nabeen
Dear E-PAO TEAM,
It is with deep sense of sorrow to note that one of our fellow Manipuris,
Mr. JUPITER YAMBEM was killed in the recent terrorist attack
on the WORLD TRADE CENTRE , NEW YORK. My deepest
condolence to his wife Nancy, his son Shanti and his other family
members . Words have failed me to express as to how much iam
sorry and anguished at this tragic loss of our fellow human being that
too one from our state MANIPUR,INDIA. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE.
I would also like to add here... THIS COWARDLY AND HEINOUS
ACT OF ATTACKING AND KILLING INNOCENT
AND UNSUSPECTING PEOPLE BY A GROUP OF
FANATICS JUST TO ACHIEVE THEIR FANATIC
AIM AND OBJECTIVE SHOULD BE CONDEMNED
IN THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE TERMS BY ALL THE
RIGHT THINKING AND FREEDOM LOVING PEOPLE
OF THE WORLD IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR FAITHS
AND BELIEFS .
Gyaneshwor S Nongmaithem
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