Never reached home but forever united in the Almighty's lap
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 03 2011: The powerful explosion of August 1 in Sangakpham Bazar might have snatched them away from their near and dear ones, but close friends neha and Philaso are without doubt united forever in heavenly abode, is how the bereaved parents described the two 10-year old victims.

Said to have been studying in the same class and school both Thokchom Neha and Philaso Awungshi were ardent learners who shared the same ambition of becoming doctors.

Sharing her grief with The Sangai Express, Neha alias Apik's mother Bimola deeply lamented that on the ill-fated day the youngest of eight siblings of the Thokchom family fell victim to the demonic act, she left home empty stomach insisting that she lacked appetite and would take her meal after returning from school.

On their last moment together while returning from Chingmeirong Primary School, both Neha and Philaso clasped their hands and were following their elder siblings.

Neha-Philaso's photo not found

Bimola, who contributes to the family earning by selling vegetables, said she heard a loud explosion and was anxiously waiting for her daughters to return.

As one after the other arrived home safely without Neha in sight a frantic search began with instinct taking her to the blast site where Neha's mutilated remains were found hurled inside a shop, recounted the mother who said both the young victims used to return from school with their hands held together.

Comparatively good in studies, Neha regularly attended school and used to complain whenever her sisters skipped class due to apprehension that she too might miss the class, which however was never a case for she would insist on going alone.

Regretting that her daughter's ambition of becoming a doctor would never materialise, Bimola vented her anger against the perpetrators saying that killing innocent children can never justify their purpose or cause.

A resident of Sangakpham Awang leikai, Neha's father Basanta is a driver by profession.

Born on April 4, 1999, Philaso Awungshi was the seventh child of eight siblings of Kachipkhui and Ramshila Awungshi of Marou village under Phungyar sub-division in Ukhrul district.

Presently the Awungshis stay in a rented quarter in Poumai Colony, which is also close to the blast site.

Religiously dedicated to her studies, Kachipkhui said, his daughter used to persistently prevail upon the parents while having meals together or retiring to bed that whatever constraints the family might endure she should be allowed to pursue her education for her goal in life was to become a doctor.

Religiously dedicated to her studies, Kachipkhui said, his daughter used to persistently prevail upon the parents while having meal together or retiring to bed that whatever constraints the family might endure she should be allowed to pursue her education for her goal in life was to become a doctor.

Recounting that Philaso never needed to be reminded of study time, the grieving father remembered his daughter as a calm, collected and intelligent girl.

a farmer in his native village but frequents the present place of residence, Kachipkhui condemning all the heinous acts of triggering blast in populated areas said armed groups would be more acceptable to the common people if they turn their guns against adversary forces rather than claim innocent lives to drive home their points, if any, at all.

Ramshila, who is small time businesswoman, asserted that no amount of devilish acts could strain relationships amongst various communities settled in Manipur for the people are conscious enough of who is trying to create divisions in the State.