9 'martyrs' to be buried this month
Source: The Sangai Express / S Singlianmang Guite

CCpur, November 14 2015 : With the Centre coming up with a formal statement declaring that all stake holders will be consulted before arriving at any decision on the three contentious Bills, the JAC along with tribe lea-ders and other CSO represen- tatives today decided that the mortal remains of the nine 'Tribal Martyrs' will be laid to rest within November.

The time and day for the last rites of the 'Martyrs' whose bodies are still lying at the hospital mortuary for the past 75 days will be fixed during a closed door meeting of the JAC, Inpis/councils and the JPO tomorrow.

The decision to finally lay to rest the bodies of the Martyrs who were killed during public unrest in the aftermath of Manipur Government pa-ssing three contentious Bills, was taken today during a meeting convened by the JAC along with tribal leaders in the area.

While convening today's meeting, the JAC conveyed the need to discuss its next course of action as the five days deadline set for the State Government to fulfil the prerequisites laid down by the JAC for initiation of talks had expired and the Centre Government has given a written assurance on the Bills as was demanded.

However, today's meeting took no significant decision on the State Government's failure to fulfil the prerequisites set before it to carry forward the tribal customary practices on the issue where Hiamkhaam had already been performed.

Nonetheless, they have decided to lay to rest the bodies of the martyrs as the Centre has fulfilled the condition laid down by the JAC for the burial.

A written assurance from the Central Govt that the three Bills will not be given its assent was one of the crucial conditions laid down by the JAC for the nine Martyrs to be given a funeral.

Though the JAC leaders had reportedly received verbal ones during their visit to the National Capital last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs has touched the issue in written on November 9, 2015 through a press release.

Today's meeting at the KKL complex also decided that all the nine Martyrs � Henlalson (18); Pausuanlian (18); H Paulianmang (22); Thangzalian Phaipi (30); Khaijamang Touthang (11); K Lamkhenthang (43); Enkhankhup Suante (19); Khamsianmuan (22); and Robert V Jamminthang (30) be buried en masse within the ADC complex located in the outskirts of Bungmual village.

It may be noted here that the JAC has now rolled-up many of the agitation it has imposed since unrest over the three contentious Bills erupted in the night of Aug 31, particularly after the State Government performed the traditional Hiamkhaam.

Shops and educational institutions are closed mid-day as a mark of condolence till this day as the Martyrs are still awaiting their funeral.

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