Funeral of slain 13 held at Andro Torongthel
Family members suspect execution after torture, demands investigation
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 05 2023: The funeral ceremony of all the 13 youths, Who were executed by suspected Kuki militants in Laithao village area under Machi police station in Tengnoupal district on Monday morning, was held jointly at Andro Torongthel late night Tuesday after post mortem examination at JNIMS.

Meanwhile, family members of the 13 victims expressed suspicion of torture in custody and cold-blooded execution and demanded the government for swift investigation to bring all those involved in the crime to justice.

The 13 bodies were brought to Imphal around Monday midnight and post mortem examinations were conducted on Tuesday, after which family members claimed the bodies and took them to Andro Torongthel in a large procession along Ayangpalli Road and passed through Kongba Singjamei Road, Singjamei Keithel, Thoubal and Yairipok.

Large number of public participated in the procession.

People also gathered in large number along the route and offered floral tributes to the 13 victims according them heroes' respect.

The 13 slain youths have been identified as Thingom Rocky (25) son of Thingom Tomba of Torbung Bazar Mamang, Konjengbam Medhabanta (40) son of late Bimolchandra of Sagolband Nepra Menjor Mamang Leikai, Ningthoujam Tomba (26) son of late Shyam of Kumbi Salankonjil Part-2, Phanjoubam Noren (19) son of Dharmachandra of Andro Torongthel Makha Leikai, Chingakham Roshan (18) son of Surchandra of Andro Torongthel Mayai Leikai, Meisnam Sanajaoba (22) son of Shyamkanhai of Kakmayai Mayai Leikai, Moirangthem Kingson (39) son of late Kingkong of Khurai Puthiba Maning Leikai, Oinam Loken (43) son of late Shyamkeshor of Sagolband Nepra Menjor, Mayengbam Roshan (25) son of Thoiba of Wangban Lamboithong, Sougaijam Krishnakanta (18) son of Surchand Kakching Turel Wangma Ningthou Pareng, Chongtham Chingu alias Ibungo (23) son of Manihar of Sabungkhok Khunou Awang Leikai, Laishram Arun alias Sanathoi (17) son of Ibohal of Sekmaijin Khoidum Makha Leikai, Pheiroijam Malemnganba (18) son of Manglem Irengband Hawairou Lai Maya, Kakching.

Interacting with media at JNIMS, Thingom Rocky's younger sister Roji said that her brother Rocky was the eldest of three siblings and Kuki militants had burnt down their house and a grocery shop on May 3 .

Since then, she along with her brother and mother have been living in a relief camp at Kumbi Leirak Achouba Laishang Leikai Lampak while their father and younger brother are in a relief camp set up at Moirang Sindam Shanglen.

Her brother Rocky had been volunteering as village volunteer and he left home about a week ago.

Their mother Sapana is undergoing treatment of blood cancer at JNIMS.

Rocky was a promising boxer but dropped his sport career to support the family by running run a grocery shop from their house.

There were several bruises on his body suggesting torture before being killed, she said while urging the government to investigate the incident and bring those criminals to justice.

According to their family members, Konjengbam Medhabanta, Meisnam Sanajaoba, Oinam Loken, and Mayengbam Roshan were daily wages workers.

Ningthoujam Tomba was a ironsmith, Phanjoubam Noren & Chingakham Roshan were JCB drivers, Moirangthem Kingson was a dance instructor, and Sougaijam Krishnakanta was a MMA player.

On the other hand, Chongtham Chingu was a small-time sand trader and Laishram Arun was a tractor driver while Pheiroijam Malemnganba was a class 10 student preparing for HSLCE 2024 and volunteered as village defender following consistent attacks by armed Kuki militants.

Mayengbam Roshan was married and left behind his wife and a two-year-old daughter.

Sougaijam Krishnakanta recently passed HSE from Kakching Higher Secondary School and volunteered as village defender instead of pursuing graduation.

Chongtham Chingu is survived by his wife, who is pregnant with their first child.

The family members said that they do not accept the narrative of the 13 getting killed in a gunfight or in an ambush.

Bruises on their bodies indicated that they were captured alive and tortured severely before execution.

They appealed to the government to investigate the incident thoroughly and bring to justice the perpetrators.

Meanwhile, a case has been registered under Arms Act and UA (P) Act at Machi police station.

Comment