Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 21:
Despite a one hour delay due to security forces' objection, the body of Laitonjam Rajkumar Singh who was killed in yesterday's police firing on NSCN (IM) truce protesters was finally consigned to flames at Kekrupat at around 4 pm today beside the cremation sites of the other 15 persons who were killed in the anti-truce movement.
The body of Rajkumar who expired at the RIMS Hospital late last night after sustaining injuries at his kidney and liver, was brought to his Uripok Khoisnam Leikai residence after autopsy at the RIMS morgue this morning.
The procession later passed through Nagamapal and Khuyathong on its way to Kekrupat under the strict vigil of police and Manipur Rifles personnel.
A group of protestors who were on dharna at Khuyathong stood up and paid tributes to the lifeless body of Rajkumar.
The cremation was held up for around one hour as Assam Rifles personnel demanded proper permission documents.
The cremation was allowed after the intervention of the DC Imphal West.
Only a few members of his family and relatives were allowed to attend the last rites.
The arrangement of the cremation was made by residents of Kekru village including Manipur police Inspector Lokhon.
Assam Tyre Workshop propreitor Rajen Gogoi bore the expenses for the firewood used in the cremation.
An emotional scene enveloped Kekrupat when Phalguni, the young widow of Rajkumar and his three and half years old son wailed inconsolably seeking the return of the departed soul.
The victim was hit by a bullet just a few minutes after he left his son home.
Meanwhile, 67 out of 81 persons who had been admitted at the RIMS Hospital yesterday have been discharged today.
The remaining 14 are continuing treatment at the hospital.
The only non-Manipuri victim identified as Dipu Pal (29) of Uripok is stated to be in critical condition.
The other victims were either hit by tear gas shells or rubber bullets.
The ICAR Colony and a nurse identified as Th Binokumari have donated medicines for the victims at the Voluntary Help Unit at RIMS Hospital today.
Altogether 22 persons injured in yesterday's incident were admitted at the JN Hospital.
While 19 persons have been discharged, three persons are still recuperating at the hospital.
The three persons including two school girls are identified as Kh Lili (16) of Thongju Part II, Kh Jarina (14) of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai and Md Ararzuddin (38) of Irilbung.
Lili and Jarina are being treated at the JN Special Ward while Ararzuddin, escort of Imphal East SP who was injured in stone pelting by protestors.
Sources said the relief committee at JN Hospital provided assistance to the victims of yesterday's incident.
In the meantime, a ceasefire protestor was admitted to the same hospital after he fainted while undergoing dharna at Nambol today.