Final rites of L Malemnganba conducted
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, February 16 2025: Following assurances from the police to expedite the investigation and arrest those involved in the killing of Laishram Malemnganba (Thoinao) of Moirangkampu Awang Leikai, who was shot dead by on February 10, at the soonest possible, family members and the JAC concerned claimed his the lifeless body of Malemnganba and conducted his final rites on Sunday.

After a briefing by the police on the on-going investigation and acknowledging distress of the family, the JAC in consultation with the family, local club and Meira Paibi claimed Malemnganba's body from JNIMS morgue around 10am.

Final rites of L Malemnganba conducted

They then brought the body to Moirangkampu Awang Leikai house, where people offered floral tributes before carrying out his final rites.

While Malemnganba's final rites was being conducted, his mother and sister fainted and were rushed to the hospital.

In this regard, JAC convenor Moirangthem said that the JAC had previously informed the government and Manipur Police to nab the culprits within 24 hours failing which the body would not be claimed.

Although no agreement has been reached with the government, the police investigation has made considerable progress and the police have assured to arrest the culprits soon.

On top of this, the bereaved family have not taken a bite of food since the day of the incident.

Taking all into consideration, it was decided to claim Malemnganba's body.

However, this does not mean that the JAC has withdrawn its demands and will continue to push until the culprits are arrested and punished as per the law of the land, he said.

He then appealed to all concerned to stop viewing innocent civilians as mere targets to kill and slandering them with false accusations after death.

Mention may be made here that 15-year old Laishram Malemnganba alias Thoinao s/o (L) Ibomcha was shot dead by unidentified persons on February 10, while his cousin miraculously escaped life bid by the same perpetrators.