Khumbong man reunites with family after 40 years
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 19 2018:
For Khomdram Gambhir, it was a miracle to see that a crowd had gathered for his arrival at Tulihal Airport, Imphal today.
He was on the verge of tears on seeing his family along with many locals welcoming him at the airport premise after a span of 40 years.
Khomdram Gambhir (66), who went missing from his home since 1978, but was recently traced on the streets of Bandra, Maharashtra, with the help of a video uploaded on social media sites, particularly Youtube was brought back home today by a two member police team of Patsoi PS.
He uttered a few words in Hindi and repeated words of gratitude to everyone saying that he would like to thank everyone.
When asked how he survived all these years away from home, Gambhir replied that he experienced many hardships and difficult circumstances and even broke his legs since he left home.
He also said that he ate all kinds of food and he went through every possible kind of situation during the past years.
Gambhir's family members were also in tears on seeing the man who went missing for 40 years from his home at Khumbong Mamang Leikai, Imphal West.
It may be mentioned that Gambhir is the third among six siblings (he has three sisters and two brothers).
He is also a former Rifleman of Manipur Rifles.
In 1978, after separating from his wife (just three months after marriage), Gambhir left home without informing anyone.
Speaking to media personnel, SI Arambam Amitabh said that Gambhir cannot speak Manipuri properly now, although he knows it, as he has not spoken the language for many years.
He further disclosed that Gambhir travelled through Silchar when he left home in 1978 and added that the death of his (Gambhir) parents and the separation from his wife led him to the decision to leave home.
Gambhir does not have any mental problem and is quite normal.
He still remembers his Rifleman number when he served in the 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles.
The SI informed that Mumbai police and many people, including Manipuris there extended cooperation in tracing Gambhir and bringing him back to Imphal.
Gambhir's younger brother Khomdram Kullachandra while speaking to The Sangai Express said that he cannot express how happy he is on reuniting with his elder brother after so many years.
He also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped in tracing his brother and said that he want to credit them all for finding his brother.
Konthoujam MLA RK Ranjan who also arrived at the spot assured that he will extend every possible help in rehabilitating Gambhir and his family.