Victims of Lilong incident laid to rest
Source: Chronicle News Service
Thoubal, January 04 2024:
The mortal remains of five victims of the Lilong incident on January 1 were laid to rest at their respective villages after conducting a joint funeral prayer at Lilong Chingjao ground on Thursday.
Thousands of people participated in the burial ceremony.
Following an understanding with the government, the JAC formed in connection with the firing incident claimed the bodies and conducted their last rites on Thursday.
The victims were Md Sirajuddin Makak (55), son of late Reihajuddin; Md Azad Khan alias Apikpa (35), son of Md Noorjaman Makakmayum; and Md Hussain Makakmayum (25), son of late Md Habibur Rahaman, all of Lilong Chingjao; Md Dawood Khan Phundreimayum (40), son of late Zalaluddin of Sangaiyumpham but had been staying at Lilong Chingjao; and Moulana Abdur Rajaque Meraimayum (37), son of late Md Zalaluddin alias Yaima of Lilong Dolaithabi.
Meanwhile, addressing a press meet after the funeral prayer, JAC do-convenor Islam Makakcha said that Meetei and Meitei Pangal, despite following different religions, are blood brothers and can never be parted.
Though the two communities have been living peacefully for centuries, it is regretful that there are some counter reactions on social media regarding the decision of some villages restricting entry of outsiders in their respective villages.
Such trivial issues could jeopardise the relationship between the two communities, he said and added that there is no outsider between the two communities.
Islam Makakcha appealed to all concerned to see such statements or decisions as an expression of hurtful sentiment and not otherwise.
He also appealed to people of both communities to refrain from engaging in such counter-arguments but to sort out any differences to sustain peaceful coexistence.