Manorama's last rites performed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 11: The last rites of Thangjam Manorama Devi who was found murdered brutally a day after she was picked up by troopers of 17 Assam Rifles from her Bamon Kampu residence on the night of July 10, 2004 was solemnised symbolically today.

The last rites due to a departed soul had not been performed for Manorama in the wake of wide spread public protest against her killing and subsequent demand for withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act and her family members have been in mourning strictly observing all the rituals expected of a bereaved family like abstention from social and religious functions for the last four years.

Family members at the last rites of Th Manorama

However, the People Action Committee Against the Brutal Killing of Thangjam Manorama and the Working Committee of the Apunba Lup which are fighting for the cause of justice have agreed to the solemnisation of the last rites of Manorama by using a Pangdong symbolically as her body in consideration of the inconviences being faced by the family members as well as the failing health of her aged mother.

Subsequent to the symbolic cremation which was held at the local crematorium today, the associated rites and rituals of Mangani Leihun Tamba and Lanna Thouram of the departed soul would also be performed as usual.

On the other hand, the fourth death anniversary of Manorama was observed under the joint aegis of the People Action Committee and the Apunba Lup at her birthplace today.

A large number of people including students from various schools of Bamon Kampu area and leaders of civil organisations paid homage and offered floral tributes to the photograph of Manorama at the occasion.

Side by side, a public meeting was also convened with president of Irabot Foundation, Manipur Thounaojam Iboyaima; president of Poirei Leimarol Meira Paibi Apunba, Manipur L Memchoubi, MEEKOL president AK Janaki, co-ordinator of the Apunba Lup Asem Tondon, president of Nupi Samaj K Taruni and president of Kanglamei Y Leirik gracing the dais as presidium members.

All those who spoke during the meeting came out strongly against the atrocities and killings being committed by the security forces with immunity granted under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

Expressing apprehension over the possibility of wiping out the entire male population of Manipur if such killings continued to take place, the speakers called upon the women population for taking up timely action in opposing such senseless killings.