In a solemn ceremony, 87 bodies of Zo-Kuki victims, who lost their lives in the ethnic violence in Manipur, were laid to rest in Churachandpur district. This significant event followed a directive from the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for dignified burials for those who had been awaiting their final rites since the outbreak of violence on May 3.
The poignant ceremony commenced with a condolence service at Tuibuong’s ground, culminating in the mass burial at a tribal martyrs’ park. This event unfolded amidst stringent restrictions under section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, imposed in the aftermath of a violent confrontation that occurred earlier.
Earlier, a total of 41 bodies were transported from mortuaries in Imphal, while 46 bodies were retrieved from Churachandpur district hospital. The Indian Air Force helicopters facilitated this transportation on December 14. Additionally, 28 bodies were relocated to Kangpokpi, a district predominantly inhabited by the Zo-Kuki community, and four bodies were transferred to Imphal from the Churachandpur district hospital’s morgue.
The Supreme Court’s intervention came six months post the eruption of clashes, directing the state government to ensure respectful and appropriate burials for the deceased. This mandate was anchored in a comprehensive report presented by the Justice Gita Mittal committee, instituted by the apex court on August 7. The committee’s report delineated that out of the 175 bodies earmarked for burial, 81 had been claimed by their kin, while 88 remained unclaimed, and six remained unidentified.
