Linthoingambi's family refuses last rites without tangible evidence
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 06 2025:
The family of Luwangbi Linthoingambi Hijam, who went missing two years ago along with her friend Hijam Hemanjit, has resolved not to conduct her last rites unless they receive something tangible belonging to her.
The decision was reaffirmed during her second anniversary (missing) memorial service held on Sunday at her residence at Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai.
The second anniversary memorial service was marked by a public meeting and later a candlelight vigil as the family and community renewed their call for justice and closure.
Linthoingambi and Hemanjit, both students, went missing on July 6, 2023.Their last known mobile phone location was traced near Joujangtek village in Churachandpur district.
In the days following their disappearance, photos of the two teens surfaced on social media, showing them in apparent captivity and visibly distressed.
The images sparked widespread outrage and demands for action, but no significant progress has been made in the investigation since even though authority had arrested some suspects.
During Sunday's memorial service, participants resolved not to perform Linthoingambi's last rites unless the family receives something tangible belonging to her.
A candlelight vigil was also held and was attended by community members and supporters who stood in solidarity with the grieving family.
Earlier this week, Hijam Kulajit made a public appeal urging the people of Manipur to stand together, attend the observance, and renew efforts to seek justice for his daughter.
Kulajit expressed deep anguish over the lack of progress in the case, despite the arrest of some suspects.
He said that the families of the two missing teenagers have been left in the dark, with no information, no answers, and no closure.
Calling the situation deeply unfortunate, Kulajit urged the public to come forward once again and help press for action, saying that the ongoing silence from authorities has only prolonged the families' suffering.