Mortuaries: The final destination for many
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09, 2012:
After a brief lull it has undoubtedly become a norm for many families to trace or identify their near and dear ones at either RIMS or JN Hospital mortuaries.
While security forces continue to claim that the victims were all slain in encounters, family members and locals of the deceased persons opposing the police version alleged that the killings were stage-managed.
Even though report on gun-fights was very rare in the run-up to the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, an unusual trend in this insurgency besieged State, in recent times there had been a spurt in what police or security force authorities classify as 'killed in encounters' with most of the cases followed by outcries of alleged fake encounters.
To name a few the slaying of Sagolsem Jiten (31) of Kongba Nandeibam Leikai, Md Zamir (30) of Keirao Makting, Ahanthem Amujao of Sawombung Gate, Sanasam David also from Sawombung Gate and Wahengbam Jayenta (43) of Kumbi Kangjeibung by security forces not only sparked controversies as family members opposed the police claim but also led to protest demonstrations and formation of JACs.
While these killings literally ceased all normal chores at the victims' places and led to mourning, attendant of RIMS morgue Konthoujam Chandrash had one of the busiest weeks as relatives and friends regularly thronged the mortuary to enquire on the bodies lying these.
Talking to The Sangai Express Chandrash said weary group of people who could not trace their relatives ultimately make it a point to visit the most repugnant place with bated breath and wishfully hoping that the corpses lying at the morgue are not known to them.
Irrespective of the time being early morning of late evenings, the relatives often request the attendant to have a look at the bodies, said Chandrash adding that only a few group of people are lucky enough to return home with renewed hope of somehow finding their near and dear ones in the next few days.
Pointing out that for many others returning home after visiting the morgue the tale to tell awaiting family members is one of anguish and disheartening, he also recounted that when RIMS morgue was the only place in the State for depositing bodies he had to ensure his presence round the clock.
Expressing relief that with the setting up of mortuaries at JN Hospital (Porompat/Imphal East), Lilong health centre and district headquarters of Tamenglong and Churachandpur the number of corpses brought to RIMS morgue has recorded a significant decline, chandrash informed that RIMS facility is being used as a body-depositing place for Imphal West and Ukhrul district.
With no shortage of bodies at the RIMS morgue in recent times student-doctors and practising ones too are very much occupied in going through the medical procedures of ascertaining cause of death, he added while saying that normally dissecting and follow-up steps of a corpse consume about half an hour.