Missing persons' families seek death certificates
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 02 2026: Families of more than 30 persons missing in the Manipur conflict have urged the State Government to declare them dead and issue death certificates.

While many are missing since the early days of the conflict which erupted on May 3, 2023, and presumed to be dead, their families have been denied assistance and compensation in absence of death certificates, said Atom ongbi Kavita, whose husband has been missing since May 6, 2023 .

Atom ongbi Kavita hails from Khumbong Bazar, and is the wife of Atom Samarendra.

Atom Samarendra and his friend Yumkhaibam Kirankumar went missing from the Sangaithel Olympian Park on May 6, 2023 .

Missing persons' families seek death certificates

They left home in a car and have not been traced even after the case is said to be handed over to the CBI, Kavita said, speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

"When enquired about the case, police said it has been handed over to the CBI .

But, no CBI officials have so far visited us and recorded our statements," Kavita said, asserting she doubts that the case has been truly handed over to the CBI .

"My husband was a Central Government employee, but in absence of a death certificate, I'm unable to get employed and replace him in his job," Kavita said.

He "was" the breadwinner of the family.

The family is struggling to make ends meet in his absence, Kavita said.

"When requested, the authorities of the Government have asked us to wait for 7 years for the death certificate.

But, tell us how can we wait and survive 7 years without any viable source of income," Kavita said.

In absence of death certificates, many of the families of the missing persons are unable to receive insurance money, Kavita added.

Kavita further lamented that the Government has done very little to trace the many missing persons including her husband.

She claimed multiple appeals for an appointment with the then Chief Minister before the President's Rule fell on deaf ears.

The President's Rule has ended and a Government has been formed, but so far "we haven't got the chance to meet the Chief Minister," Kavita added.

"If the Government and its agencies are unable to trace them, let us - the families trace them instead, Kavita said.

While a memorandum was submitted to Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to Manipur, the then State Government had assured the victims' families appropriate compensations and suitable Government jobs.

Sadly, the assurances given have not been fulfilled yet, Kavita said.