Last rites of Hemanjit performed
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 24 2024:
The last rites of Phijam Hemanjit of Takyel Kolom Leikai, who went missing on July 6 last year, were conducted on Wednesday without his mortal remains.
The rites, held according to Meetei tradition, used the Pangong tree (Flame of the Forest) as a symbolic representation of Hemanjit's body for the cremation.
Hemanjit, along with his friend Hijam Linthoingambi, went missing on June 6, 2023 with Zoujangtek Kuki village area confirmed to be last known location of the two teenagers.
Preliminary investigations traced their mobile phones to Zoujangtek area on the day they went missing before their phones remained in switched off mode.
Months after their disappearance, some photographs emerged on social media, purportedly showing the two teenagers in captivity and later killed by Kuki militants.
These images caused a public uproar across the state, intensifying calls for justice and thorough investigation.
During Wednesday's rituals, Hemanjit's father, Phi-jam Ibungobi, expressed his deep sorrow and frustration.
"We approached and submitted memorandums to the police department, the chief minister, the security advisor, and the Governor, appealing for efforts to trace our missing children", he said.
Despite these efforts, the family has not received any of Hemanjit's belongings, let alone his mortal remains.
"After more than a year, we had no choice but to conduct the last rites using a Pangong tree, as per our tradition", Ibungobi added.
Ibungobi emphasised that the pursuit of justice for his son and Linthoingambi would continue.
"We will coordinate with the people and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) until justice is delivered," he vowed.
The ceremony was also attended by Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeshor, who reiterated the government's commitment to resolving the crisis.
The government is not remaining silent; we are putting all efforts to resolve the crisis," Kunjakeshor stated.
He also reminded the public that the BJP-led government at the centre had promised to address the issue within the first 100 days of its new term and urged the people to be patient and wait for the outcomes.
The families of Atom Samarendra and Ningthoujam Anthony, who also went missing in May and December last year respectively, were also present at the last rites, showing solidarity to the collective grief and determination for justice.
As per official record, 32 individuals are listed as missing in the ongoing violence with all presumed dead.
Among others, the Central Bureau of Investigation is handling the case of Hemanjit and Linthoingambi but has yet to provide conclusive information on their status.
CCTV footage obtained by Manipur police showed the two students riding a KTM bike towards Khoupum via Lamdan in Churachandpur district of Manipur, an area severely affected by the ongoing communal strife between the communities.
Despite this lead, authorities have been unable to locate them.
The CBI, after taking over the case, has filed charge sheets against five individuals arrested in connection with the abduction and presumed murder of the two Meetei students.
However, the investigation continues as the families and community await justice and closure.
Among others, Atom Samarendra (47), a former journalist and a social worker, Yumkhaibam Kirankumar Singh (47), are among the 32 persons listed in the government's missing individuals.
The last rites of both, residents of Khumbong in Imphal west district, were also performed as per the Meetei customary practices in December last year.
Both were reportedly abducted from near Sangaithel Olympian Park, Imphal West on May 6, 2023 .
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