Source: The sangai Express
Imphal, July 26 2009:
With customary religious rituals, the mortal remains of Thokchom Rabina and her unborn child have been put to rest today amidst a tearful farewell by thousands of people.
While the mortal remains of Rabina were cremated at her Lamdeng Khunou residence, her unborn but matured child was buried after in an earthen pot.
The anguished and mournful people shouted various slogans condemning the Government for the death of Rabina and her unborn child.
Had the Government any sensitivity, the Government could have saved the unborn child even if they could not save Rabina, they contended.
Asserting that the Government should bear responsibil ity for the death of Rabina and her unborn child, the wailing crowd asked for abolition of the existing Government which cannot protect its citizens, particularly women and children.
Post mortem examination of Rabina's corpse was conducted today at RIMS morgue.
A bullet which hit her near right forehead ex ited through the back-head.
The foetus removed from Rabina was found to be a boy and it was fully matured.
On seeing the lifeless body of Rabina and her unborn child, peopJc particularly women.burst out in an agonizing cry presenting a gloomy and shocking scene.
Rabina was killed by a stray bullet during a firing incident at BT Road on July 23.Another youth, suspected to be a militant, was also killed in the same incident while five persons sustained bullet injuries.
On the fateful day, Rabina was proceeding towards Khwairamband Market along with her 3 year old son, to go for a medical check-up together with her husband who was then working at a mobile repairing centre at Majorkhul.
Rabina was only 23.
Although the corpse of Rabina has been claimed, the JAC and the Government have not been able to strike any agreement.
While the JAC is insisting on a Judicial enquiry, the Government has offered a departmental enquiry.
The corpse was claimed considering the emotional hardships being endured by the bereaved family and the condition of the unborn child, said JAC president Shyamkishore.
Regarding the question whether the unborn child in Rabina's womb could have been saved or not, Gynaecologist Dr Nabakishore opined that there is a fair chance of saving an unborn child within 30 minutes of the mother's death by per forming cervical surgery if it attains the weight of 2.5 kgs.
Decrying the killing of the young mother in front of her own son, a large number of people staged protest demonstration at Praja High School ground, Lamsang Bazar.
The protesters used plac ards which read as "Stop State terrorism", "Violence aa4 atrocities have crossed tolerable limit", "AFSPA should be repealed".
"Was the unborn child a UG cadre?." "We want Judicial Enquiry", "We condemn the Killing of Rabina" "Can you understand the pangs of a child who has lost his/her mother?", " The Chief Minister who cannot safeguard the lives of citizens should resign" etc.