Heirangoithong Massacre of 1984 commemorated
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 14 2022: The 38th Remembrance of Heirangoithong Massacre was observed today at Heirangoithong Volleyball Ground (Heirangoithong Naoriya Pakhanglakpa Ground) .

During the observance jointly organized by the Young Men's Development Organization (YMDO), Heirangoithong and Extrajudicial Execution Victim Families Association Manipur (EEVFAM), families and relatives of the victims who were killed in the infamous incident, CSO members and people paid tribute to the departed souls by offering floral wreaths and prayers at the memorial stone built at the ground/site.

On March 14, 1984, 14 innocent civilians were killed and many other sustained bullet injuries when CRPF personnel opened fire indiscriminately at Heirangoithong Volleyball Ground after some UG cadres launched an attack against them.

Heirangoithong Massacre of 1984 commemorated

Notably, a volleyball tournament was underway at the ground when the firing took place.

Some CRPF jawans were also reportedly injured in the attack.

Delivering presidential speech at the function, JNIMS Associate Professor Dr Yumnam Tomba recounted the incident, saying it was a horrifying experience in his life.

Informing that he was studying MBBS final year at RMC (now RIMS) at the time, he asserted that the news of many civilians allegedly being gunned down by CRPF personnel soon spread far and wide while he was at Paona Keithel on the day.

He added that more than 30 people, including CRPF personnel who were injured in the incident were brought to RMC on the day.

The Associate Professor further appealed to all concerned to thwart such incidents in the future.

Speaking as the guest of honour, EEVFAM president Renu Takhellambam asked all to support EEVFAM in fighting for justice of all the victims of alleged extrajudicial killings that took place in the State, including the Heirangoithong Massacre.

She went on to inform that EEVFAM and victims' families have filed a protest petition against the CBI's closure report of the Heirangoithong Massacre before the CJM, Imphal West.

She decried that justice for the Heirangoithong Massacre and many other extrajudicial killings that took place in the State has not been delivered till date.

The function was also attended by Advocate Anil Yendrembam, Human Rights Alert (HRA), Executive Director Babloo Loitongbam and CSO leaders as the chief guest and guests of honour.

Re-printed copies of the report of the Heirangoithong Firing Inquiry Commission headed by District and Session Judge Y Ibotombi were also distributed to the people gathered at the function.

A book was also released in the function.