Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 14:
The skeletal remains of two youths whom the armed outfit KRA had claimed to be its cadres and appealed for their safe release earlier were exhumed from a place in Phayeng Ching Khunou under Sapermeina PS today.
According to information, the deceased youths are identified as Paoshemlal Samte (21) s/o late Khuplam of Kangchup Patbung and Ginkholien Haokip (20) s/o Lalngam Haokip of Kangpokpi Ward No.12. Information and publicity secretary of KRA TH Misao had earlier claimed the two youths as KRA cadres who had been abducted by unknown persons from near the house of one Babudhon of Phayeng on March 1. He had also on March 4 appealed, through the media, for their safe release on humanitarian ground even if they had committed some mistakes.
As per the appeal made by TH Misao, home secretary of KRA Jacob had also be made it clear on March 7 that in case the two abducted youths were not released within two days, then the family members of Babudhon should be held responsible for any eventuality.
On getting information about the two bodies lying in Phayeng area, villagers of Kangchup searched for the same in the jungles of Phayeng area as well as along the bank of Maklang river yesterday.
However, the bodies could not be located.
Today again, villagers of Phayeng and Kangchup area conducted a joint search operation at Phayeng Ching Khunou where the bodies were found buried at around 2 pm.
The site where the bodies were found buried was not far from a Kuki tribe inhabited village called Songyang.
Although the site falls within the jurisdiction of Sapermeina PS, personnel of Lamshang PS which is located just 17 kms away rushed in to the area first.
The two bodies were found buried 400 ft apart and Annapurna salt have been used to decompose the bodies.
At around 5.30 pm, the team led by OC of Lamshang PS Khelen started making efforts to exhume the body of Paoshemlal Samte which was found buried in the upper portion of the hill and the digging of the earth commenced for removing the body of Ginkholien at around 6 pm.
Both the bodies were buried in a kneeling posture with hands tied in the back.
There were injuries marks all over the bodies.
The bodies have been picked up and deposited at the mortuary of RIMS Hospital.
Villagers claimed that they have not heard any gun shots in the area since March 1.