DNA test result of slain Tangkhul man awaited
Late man last talked to family on Feb 10
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, February 21 2024: Even as efforts were on to trace the body of Honpam Chithung, a Tangkhul man killed in Myanmar, Eastern Kuki Chief Association (EKCA) brought a "box" suspectedly containing his remains at Kamjong a couple of days ago.

Now believed to have been burnt after killing him, the family of Honpam Chithung, 52, are waiting for the result of a DNA test of the "remains" to confirm his identity.

All these have come to light as new details emerged in the killing of Honpam Chithung, and one other person at Onshiya village in Myanmar recently.

The Kumram Village Authority has strongly condemned the "heinous" crime today.

DNA test result of slain Tangkhul man awaited

Honpam Chithung of Kumram and the other person, not identified yet, were suspectedly killed by cadres of Kuki National Army (B) and PDF on Myanmar side of the border near Border Pillar No 102 .

Earlier, suspected to have been killed on February 9, the new details show Honpam Chithung last talked to his family over the phone on February 10 .

The death of Honpam Chithung was confirmed by family members after a picture of bodies of two men lying dead on the ground surfaced on social media on February 13 .

Family members said Honpam Chithung was in a panic and spoke hysterically before the phone conversation was cut short with an "interruption" and his mobile phone switched off eventually.

Two days later, the picture of Honpam Chithung and the other person lying on the ground surfaced on the internet.

While the whole Tangkhul village and organisations were putting in efforts to trace the bodies, the Kumram Village Authority said ironically, "a box containing remains of Honpam Chithung" was brought to Kamjong by the Eastern Kuki Chief Association (EKCA)" on February 18 .

It is ironic to learn that after confirmation of the death, the Eastern Kuki Chief Association (EKCA) brought and handed over a box containing remains of Honpam Chithung during a reception programme at Kamjong Public Ground, Kamjong on February 18, said the Kumram Village Authority.

"The family of the deceased along with the Kumram village and Tangkhul CSOs will not accept it as the mortal remains of Honpam Chithung until DNA or forensic test confirms the same.

"It is also reasonable to point out why they burnt the body if not to cover up their heinous crime ?" said the Kumram Village Authority.

The whole of Kumram village strongly condemn such acts of barbarism, and demand justice.

Those who are complicit in the crime must be brought to justice, said the village authority, appealing to all peace loving people to stand united against "such diabolical elements designed to fragment our society" .

The result of the DNA test to confirm the identity has not arrived yet. Honpam is survived by his wife, two sons and two daughters.

He used to trade buffaloes to earn livelihood.

The family members said they don't know the identity of the other person who was found murdered along with Honpam.

The murder of the two persons came to light as Tangkhul Naga Foothills Organisation (TNFO) called on its people to send volunteers to "train" .

Notably, amid the tension between Meiteis and Kukis, hundreds of Myanmar Nationals have fled the country and entered Manipur.

Many are seeking refuge at Phaikoh and Sangalok Huimine Thana and other villages in Manipur.