Body of fourth firewood collector recovered
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 13 2024:
A combined security team recovered the body of the fourth firewood collector, suspected to have been killed by Kuki militants on January 10, from Haotak Phailen area on Saturday.
The fourth victim, Ahanthem Dara, was among the four locals of Terakhong Akashoi, who went to Haotak forest area to collect firewood.
They were reportedly captured by Kuki militants and killed in captivity after torturing and slitting their throats.
The bodies of the other three were recovered on January 11.Police source said that the combined team continued their search operation on Saturday and found the body lying at a distance of some 200 metres above the hill from where the three bodies were found earlier this week.
Multiple cut marks were found on his throat, face and other parts of the body.
A bullet injury was also found on his head suggesting possible torture before execution.
Police recovered the body and brought to RIMS mortuary for post mortem examination.
Mention may be made here that the four residents of Terakhong Akashoi went to the forest area to collect firewood as families in the peripheral villages are facing tough situation of losing income generating opportunities due to the eight-month long crisis in the state.
On Wednesday at 10 am, the four individuals ventured into the forest to collect firewood.
In the afternoon, at around 3 pm, Kuki militants attacked Meetei farmers tilling their farms in Kumbi Haotak Tampha Khunou area, prompting villagers to flee their homes.
Personnel of Mahar Regiment, CRPF, and state forces retaliated.
Later, Kuki militants launched another fresh attack at around 5.30 pm.
After the four individuals did not return home, local village volunteers launched a search in the evening with police team joining later on.
The search continued on Thursday and the three bodies were found near a gorge in Haotak Phailen area, west of Meichakpi hill, showing signs of throat slitting and bullet injuries.