TODAY -

Abducted army soldier found shot dead
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 18 2023: Family members of a slain Indian Army soldier Serto Thangthang Korn agreed to take his body on Monday after Chief Minister N Biren Singh assured them that stringent actions would be taken against those involved in the killing of the sepoy.

The chief minister also told members of the organisation, which represents the deceased's tribe, that a high-level inquiry would be conducted into the killing of Serto Kom.

"Family members of Thangthang Kom agreed to take the dead body from the JNIMS morgue," said Chungjahao Serto Kom, president of Kom Union, the apex body of the tribe.

"We met our chief minister in the morning at the CM secretariat and placed our demand.

He agreed to conduct a high-level enquiry under an IG-ranked officer in connection with the killing.

Also, the CM assured us to take appropriate actions against those who committed the heinous crime," Chungjahao said.

The Kom Union president also said they were assured that security would be provided to their villages and compensation would be given to the next of kin of the slain sepoy.

"We are clueless about how it happened.

The deceased was an innocent man living a simple life," Chungjahao said.

Serto Thangthang s/o S Aphun was posted with the Defence Security Corps (DSC) platoon at Leimakhong Military Station after retiring from Assam Regiment on October 31, 2018 .

He had been on leave since September 2.As per reports, he was abducted at gunpoint by three unknown miscreants from his house in a white vehicle around 10 am on September 16 and was found shot dead in Khuningtek area under Sagolmang PS early Sunday morning.

It is not yet known who and why Thangthang was killed.

According to a police report, on receiving news of the presence of a male body in Khuningtek area around 6am Sunday, a team of Sagolmang PS went to the location and carried out preliminary investigation.

An inquest of the body was done and taken to JNIMS mortuary for post mortem examination.

Serto suffered two gunshot wounds on his head.

After the post mortem examination, the body was handed over to family members.

In this regard, Sagolmang PS has registered an FIR and investigation is underway.

Meanwhile, Spear Corps, in a post on X (erstwhile Twitter), paid homage to sepoy Serto Thangthang Kom.

"Sepoy Serto had earlier served in the Assam Regiment of the Indian Army and was posted with the DSC Platoon at Leimakhong Military Station.

He was on leave at the time of the incident.

In this hour of grief, the Indian Army stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and remains committed to their dignity, safety, and well-being," the post stated.

The sepoy, who hailed from Tarung in Imphal West, is survived by his wife, daughter and son.

According to his 10-year-old son, who was the only eyewitness to the crime, three men entered their home while his father and he were working on the porch.

The killing came amid the unceasing violence, and in the wake of the Kom Union Manipur (KUM) reiterating that they would remain as Kom tribe forever and urged people of its own community to remain neutral and not to involve in the ongoing Meitei-Chin/Kuki violence.

Denouncing the killing, people from Kom community staged a sit-in protest at various areas predominately settled by the Kom tribes, including Sinam Kom, Sagang, Komkeirak and Loktak project.

"We strongly condemn the killing of Thangthang after being abducted in front of his little son while his wife was inside the house," said Lalkhomang Serto, president of Komrem Union (KU) a conglomerate of six small ethnic tribe groups, including Kom.

"Even if he had committed mistakes, he should be cautioned or given a chance for correction, but awarding capital punishment forthwith after abduction is too much," Lalkhomang said.

While sharing the grief and sorrow inflicted by the family member, he demanded the government to take stringent action against the culprits according to the law of the land.

Besides Kom, the other Komrem tribes include Kha-ram, Chiru, Aimol, Koiren and Purum.

Retired army officer from the state, Lt Gen L Nishikanta Singh, expressed grief over the killing of the soldier.

Kangpokpi district-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has also condemned the killing.

On the other hand, mass sit-in protests were staged at Litan Church in Litan Kom village of Chandel district, Sagang Bazar, Kom Keirap Bazar, Moirang Kom, Thayong Kom, Sinam Kom, Neikanlong, Tarung, Guigalong, Chirurem, Grace Colony and Happy Valley.

During the sit-ins, the protestors condemned Thangthang's murder and demanded the person(s) responsible to explain themselves.

The protestors further urged the government to apprehend the culprit(s) involved and award befitting punishment.

The Kom people are a peace-loving indigenous community, the protestors stated and appealed to all concerned not to repeat such acts in future.

Kom Union Manipur president Serto Ahao Kom told the media at Grace Colony, that the abduction and murder of Serto Thangthang has sparked fear and panic among the small Kom community.

The killing cannot be regarded as an isolated incident, he remarked, while asserting that the Kom community is an indigenous, peace-loving community.

Conveying details of the Union and the family members' meeting with the CM earlier in the day, Ahao said the CM was urged to constitute a single member judicial inquiry team led by an 1GP to investigate Thangthang's murder, apprehend the culprit(s) involved and award befitting punishment; provide a suitable government to the late sepoy's family; and deploy additional security to protect minor communities like the Kom.

Following the assurances of the CM, the Union and family members decided to claim his (Thangthang) body on Tuesday for burial, he added.

Komrem Union, North East India also condemned the killing of Serto Thangthang Kom.

It then demanded the authority concerned to deliver justice to the victim at the earliest, while urging the abductors to clarify the reason behind the killing.

It also appealed to all not to communalise Thangthang's killing, while reasserting that the Kom people stands neutral in the present conflict and will always try to sustain peaceful coexistence.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




HEADLINES - 19, SEP 2023
  • Roads blocked in protest all over; remand for five arrested men
  • Manipur joins PM Vishwakarma launch
  • Uikey comforts inmates of relief camps
  • Report unfounded, says Govt
  • CADA celebrates 17th foundation day
  • One dies away from home
  • Demand to release five village defenders grows louder, more stringent
  • Abducted Army jawan found killed
  • 'Thangjing Hill desecrated'
  • SS team Delhi bound
  • Govt assures judicial probe
  • 48 hrs bandh comes into force
  • Kuki attack continues
  • Birth anniversary of Lamyanba Hijam Irawat observed
  • Swachhata League 2.0 launched at Jiribam
  • Skill Convocation ceremony held
  • Locals call for restoration of peace, sanity in Manipur
  • Training programme on 'Pest and Disease Management' organised
  • Many continue to extend humanitarian aid
  • RIMS organises patient safety programme
  • DM College of Science students protest admission fee hike
  • Induction programmes held
  • CSIR-NEIST hosts World Bamboo Day
  • CSCHR urges review of inputs to GoI
  • Free medical camp conducted
  • Meet demands constitutional safeguard for Manipur
  • Roads blocked to demand release of village volunteers
  • Bandh called to protest arrest of village volunteers
  • COCOMI to launch stir against arrest
  • Union minister Rai vows uplift of artisans' status
  • BJP seeks Cong's stand on separate administration
  • Governor vows to aid IDPs return to ancestral homes
  • NRFM urges people to join Black Day on Sept 21
  • CSCHR seeks revision of UN panel's recommendation
  • Judicial organs weaponised to target minority: ZCSC
  • RIMS observes patient safety programme
  • CSIR-NEIST observes World Bamboo Day
  • Ayushmaan Bhava campaign begins
  • Protest held demanding restoration of peace
  • Birth anniv of Irawat observed
  • Family appeals for unconditional release of village volunteers
  • Discussion held on 'Kokyet' as uniform of Parliament staff
  • Displaced man dies, MLA Lokeshwar hits out at CM
  • Food processing, farmers' training organised
  • Stop taking advantage of conflict to abuse drugs: CADA
  • Shiv Sena's Tombi to petition President, PM
  • Maheshwar submits memo on Manipur issue to Rajnath
  • Will protest if Amit Shah continues to talk irresponsibly: BAAL
  • Students protest admission fee hike
  • 938 students approved for CMCSRS 2023
  • Workshop on checking of EVMs, VVPATs held
  • Shrine of Ibudhou Thangjing converted into cemetery: CPPKT
  • Relief items distributed at relief camps
  • Induction programme for THETI students held
  • Awareness prog held at relief camps
  • Huge cache of weapons recovered
  • CCIAN bats for safeguard of Meetei's holy sites
  • AR organises medical camp, friendly volleyball
  • AR assists two students; recovers weapons
  • LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Scientist of Manipur: Chandrakant Aribam
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Candy flavoured traps to hook next Gen
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #2
  • Tobacco affects health & environment too
  • Jio extend validity for Customer in Manipur
  • Students must learn about AI irrespective
  • As vote count day approaches : Floods
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #2 : Gallery
  • Flooded : Sacrifice of Yairipok's Maiden
  • World No Tobacco Day 2024
  • Chandam Rishikanta wins NPC Nat'l C'ship
  • Flood: Helpline numbers for emergency
  • Battling body odour ?
  • Floods : Not entirely natural phenomena
  • PM Modi's purpose
  • Imphal valley districts flooded #1 : Gallery
  • June Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Flood: Control Rooms & Helpline numbers
  • Economic impact of ongoing conflict
  • Army Recruitment Rally for Manipur
  • Cut deficit, boom likely
  • Are Gods angry ? Wake up call for Manipur
  • Beating of the Retreat #2 : Gallery
  • We did Overcome: Mayhem of Month of May
  • Training on mushroom at Potshagbam
  • Famous female Mathematicians in India
  • Disinformation campaign thengnare
  • Human trafficking puts humanity to shame
  • Sky opens up in all its fury
  • Licypriya meets Italy PM & Pope Francis
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Combined Defence Services Exam 2024
  • Good show in Class X exams
  • Downplaying the crisis
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #3
  • Reviving Lamphelpat : Conservation : Gallery
  • Commemorate Naga Plesbicite Day 1951 #1
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hojai
  • The Power of Poppy - 32 :: Poem
  • Insights from CUET-UG Counselling
  • International Day for Biological Diversity
  • Unseen force at work: Time to unravel it
  • Sheikh Hasina's revelation
  • The Vanishing Meitei Tribe
  • Building career in defence & strategic study
  • Why example of model code of conduct ?
  • Ownership of responsibility
  • Will pressure mount on key players in NE
  • How to save your foot after an accident
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #3 : Gallery
  • Education Fair @Imphal #1 : Gallery
  • Project Associate @ CSE, Assam Univ
  • Understanding schizophrenia
  • Advancement in Multi Objective Optimization
  • When will women in voter list increase ?
  • Making 2 plus 2 is equal to 5
  • Changing face of drug menace
  • Scientist of Manipur: Jayanta Manoharmayum
  • 25 yrs since Atal Vajpayee visit to RIMS
  • 4 Lakhs donated to support (L) Maipak Family
  • Clarification: Guwahati Meet on Humanitarian
  • Start UPSC prep after 12th for success
  • Tips to avoid melting makeup in summer
  • Giving a big solid push to ST demand
  • Time to come clean
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba: 1 occasion, 2 narratives #3
  • Khongjom Day @Khebaching #2 : Gallery
  • A year of hostilities
  • Licypriya Kangujam to travel to Italy
  • Declining moral standards in public life
  • Healthy democracy with independent media
  • Why endangered species matter to us
  • Significant Guwahati meeting : 1st visible step
  • The Pallel story
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #2 : Gallery
  • Ukhrul: Climate change grip on water supply
  • Commemoration of World Eld's Deer Day
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Hiyanglam
  • Dance of democracy, a miracle in making !
  • Learn to look 10/20/30 years hence
  • The zero FIR, zero lesson
  • 'Ishanou' Selection @ Cannes #1: Gallery
  • MOU signed: MTI-HUB & KIIT-TBI & SAbF
  • Lament of the Mourning Choir :: Poem
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Wabagai
  • RSS-BJP fracas
  • Trials for Canoe Slalom World Cup
  • Poser from a villager says it all Kamjong
  • The cover-up effort
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #2
  • Manipuri women in the arena of politics
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Assam
  • Aimee Baruah at red carpet of Cannes
  • National Defence Academy Exam 2024
  • How digital media changed communications
  • Manipur stands scandalised
  • All eyes on UP battle
  • Descent of Radha-Krishna #32: Download
  • Riots to a shrine- Ram Mandir of Ayodhya
  • Handle with care. F.R.I.E.N.D.S inside!
  • The Power of Poppy - 31 :: Poem
  • Celebrate the journey !
  • Career counselling : A life guidance tool
  • Scientist of Manipur: Amom Ruhikanta
  • Conspiracy, thy name is Kuki !
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Thounaojam
  • Ket Meth New Album "Ghost Stories"
  • World Hypertension Day
  • International Day of Families
  • Let the rule of law prevail
  • When donation becomes obligatory demand
  • Tourism of Manipur through Gastronomy
  • Beyond Eternity :: Poem
  • Patriarch subjugation on women
  • Celebrate Manipuri Cinema shine at Cannes
  • Training on cultivation of various mushroom
  • Transformative impact of Ayurveda & Yoga
  • War for over a year : Delhi is answerable
  • The logic behind illogical chargesheet
  • Preserving Thang-Ta :: Rare Photos
  • Regarding Human Rights Situation in Manipur
  • World Hypertension Day 2024
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #3
  • Disinformation campaign touba thengnarey
  • Deeply mourn the demise of Oja Biren Lamba
  • Water Mimosa for sustainable development
  • Publicity drives of educational institutions
  • ED's revolutionary move!!!
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #2: Gallery
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • AISSE 2024 Exam Result- RKM Imphal
  • Gold, new world currency !
  • Milk for hair and skin
  • Of illegal immigrants & the larger picture
  • The missive from Kamjong
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • Sezo Ringa- Debut Music Video "Revival"
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #2
  • After Class XII where? The eternal question
  • Entry of Arvind Kejriwal
  • Birth Centenary of Jananeta Irabat, 1996 : #1
  • Our nurses, our future: Power of care
  • Screenplay Writing course concluded
  • Workshop on IP & Patent Filing held
  • Let there be less Politics in Sports
  • Sam Pitroda is absolutely white
  • Motherhood: Soul & spirit of family & society
  • Time has come to criminalise ecocide
  • Meiteis, a disappearing community in Manipur
  • World Bamboo Congress @Taiwan : Gallery
  • Ima Manipur should smile more
  • 2nd National Lok Adalat at High Court
  • The Power of Poppy - 30 :: Poem
  • Army impact on Tamphasana Wushu odyssey
  • Aftermath of ferocious hailstorm #1 : Gallery
  • "Dynamic library service" :: Book Rvw
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Artificial Intelligence & Environment
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #2
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #4
  • Delhi's stand after 1 year of clash
  • A new type of terrorism
  • Scientist of Manipur: Waikhom Vishwanath
  • SRF, JRF, RA @ Assam University
  • The Bleeding River :: Poem
  • Executive Meeting of WMC Assam Unit
  • Journalism - A thrilling career #1
  • Raising the call to replace Minister
  • A storm in a political teacup
  • Cheirao-chingkaba @ Chinga : Gallery
  • Happy Mother's Day
  • Empowering hill communities via U-Mangra
  • African Swine Fever
  • Free Training on Mushroom at Nagamapal
  • Harshit Dhingaun recieves award from Korea
  • Look for ways to restore normalcy
  • The danger of last kicks of a dying horse
  • Preserving Thang-Ta traditions
  • Resolving ST issue by democratic process
  • Top 5 songs to awaken your inner patriot
  • Project Assistant @ Manipur University
  • Leishemba Sanajaoba conferred Doctorate
  • Double tragedy: No time for red-tapism
  • A Youtuber called Dhruv
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing : Full Book
  • 174th Anniv Maharaj Narasingh #2 : Gallery
  • Challenges in Healthcare in rural Manipur
  • A salute to leadership quality of PM Modi
  • Career in press for freedom of expression
  • One day after devastating hailstorm
  • Understanding the suffering of others
  • A ferocious hailstorm @Imphal : Gallery
  • Article 355 of Constitution of India #1
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #3
  • Election gossip & rumours
  • 'Melodic Minds' Tour in Guwahati
  • Leaving a trail of destruction
  • Political see-saw
  • A brand-new Scientific discovery
  • In memoriam of the happiness we shared !
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #5
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Sekmaijin
  • Oh Motherland :: Poem
  • Animal life should be treated with dignity
  • '365 Days of Chin-Kuki Aggression' : Gallery
  • Renaissance of politics in our youth
  • TB & tobacco co-epidemics in Indonesia
  • The Power of Poppy - 29 :: Poem
  • Advanced Charging Infrastructure in NE
  • Lessons learnt in the last one year
  • True colour of politics
  • World Heritage Day @ MU : Gallery
  • "ST status for Meetei" at Kakwa
  • Joint Combing Operations in Jiribam
  • Reboot PSUs for jobs: Task for new Govt
  • Ayurvedic remedies to keep healthy eyes
  • May 3, 2023 to May 3, 2024
  • One year of crisis, and what next ?
  • Scientist of Manipur: Nongmaithem Rajmuhon
  • Whither social justice & work for women?
  • Taiwan to enhancing economic ties with India
  • Integrated Farming Systems for farmers #2
  • Athoubasingi Numit #2 : Gallery
  • Privilege trap of While Male Meitei
  • Crop/animal for higher productivity in NE #4
  • 'Chizami Model' working in Gujarat ?
  • Racing towards the one year mark
  • On misattribution & falsifying history
  • Nupi Landa Thaunaphabishing #15 :: Book
  • National Science Teacher workshop
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laishram Ladu Singh
  • Lok Sabha polls in Manipur #2 : Gallery
  • Id-ul-Fitr @Hatta #2 : Gallery
  • Workshop @ NSU Manipur : Gallery
  • Children Camp @JNMDA Imphal #2 : Gallery
  • Sajibu Cheiraoba Chak Katpa #2 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Laitonjam Warjeet
  • Community seed bank @Umathel : Gallery
  • Athoubasingi Numit #1 : Gallery
  • Scientists of Manipur : Ngangkham Nimai
  • Kenedy Khuman (Singer) : Gallery
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD