Abducted man succumbs to injuries
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2024: A person from Kangchup Chiru died after he was allegedly abducted and physically assaulted by unknown persons yesterday.

The deceased has been identified as Merangir Mechek, 47, son of Someng Mechek.

He was a daily wage earner.

Merangir is survived by his wife and four children.

Kangchup Chiru is located in the border area between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts.

At RIMS mortuary, Jatakpon Mechek, the wife of the deceased, said her husband left home at around 8.30 am yesterday.

Merangir Mechek was allegedly beaten severely and handed over to the Meira Paibis of the locality at around 8 pm .

Family members rushed him to RIMS but he succumbed on the way, said the wife.

Jatakpon said her husband was a farmer and was a devoted husband and a father.

Postmortem has been conducted at the hospital today, but Jatakpon said she will not claim the body of her husband until the persons involved are arrested.

Sources said Merangir was allegedly summoned by unidentified members of an underground group yesterday morning at Kangchup Chingkhong and was subsequently detained.

Concerned by his prolonged absence, his family sought assistance from several civil society organisations, leading to his release at around 8.30 pm of the same day.

Merangir was rushed to RIMS hospital but was pronounced brought-dead at 9.45 pm.

Police have registered a suo moto case.

Sources in the police said Merangir may have been physically assaulted during his captivity.

Meanwhile, a video of the deceased in custody of unknown persons has gone viral on social media.

In the video, Merangir admitted to being an "informer of Kuki militants which led to the killing of a Meetei youth" amid the ongoing communal clash in Manipur.

Kangchup Chiru Village chairman Alen Thanga and Meira Paibi leader Anei Jachi have vehemently condemned the killing, and stressed that the Chiru tribe has maintained peace amidst Manipur crisis.

They sought compensation and swift action by law enforcement agencies.

The villagers would launch intense agitation until justice is served, they added.

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