Sapam Robinhood dreamt of becoming Navy officer

James Khangenbam *

(L) Robinhood Sapam with his younger brother, Rahul : (R) Football gear & boots bought for Robinhood by his father two weeks back :: Pix - Hueiyen Lanpao

It was the second participation in a public rally for Sapam Robinhood who lost his life during police excesses on the fateful day on July 8 at Tellipati. Robinhood aged 16 told his parents after returning from the first day of the ILP rally that it was quite taxing.

His father, Romesh, in an interaction with Hueiyen Lanpao said that his son opted Ananda Singh Academy after getting cleared in the common entrance exam as the school was near to their residence. He had secured letter marks in maths in the HSLC exam.

Robinhood had a dream of becoming a Navy officer. He stayed at home almost the time and was a charming boy with a pleasant personality in the locality who often greeted elders with a smile.

On the fateful day Robinhood's father was in his shop when the school principal informed him that the boy was injured and was admitted at the hospital.

Romesh laments that he could not meet his child in his last moment. When Romesh reached the Raj Medicity hospital the doctors prevented him from entering the room where his son was being treated and he could glimpse him from near his sons' knee at the last moment.

He said that he knew instinctively when he saw him that his son would not survive. He also said that he is happy that his son has stood bravely for a people's cause till his last breath and sacrificed his life.

Romesh runs a grocery shop in his locality at Khurai Lairikyengbam Makha Leikai and his wife RK Babita is a house wife. Despite low income he sent his two sons in good schools reposing a very high hope in them.

Robinhood studied in KM Blooming School from class 7 to class 10 and his younger brother Rahul is presently studying at Ereca English School.

He further said that Robinhood loved to play football and it was just two weeks back that he along with his son went to buy football gear and boots. Since Robinhood started attending school he had little time for football.

Robinhood was not healthy during his childhood but he became fit since one year and a half back.

Romesh was delighted in the improvement of his son's health and was hoping that he would look after the family as Romesh himself is not healthy.

Radhe Shija Robinhood's grandmother was wailing all the time uttering her grandson's name and was caressing the football uniforms. Romesh also felt that his son would have been alive if first aid was given in time. He also wishes that his son's last cause is fulfilled and that ILP will be implemented in the State.

He also had the apprehension that if the demand is not conceded this time there will be many more deaths. He was speaking this as two tear gas shells landed on his roof and courtyard at 4 pm fired by police from a long range.

Robinhood's aunt RK Chandrakala a BP patient stumbled and got injured in her legs and hands as they scampered after the shell landed in their house.

It was also informed that one panic stricken Gurumayum Rajendro aged 90 of the same locality is being admitted for BP stroke at Sky hospital after a tear gas shell landed at their residence.

Another two boys were picked up by the police from the locality.