Parents seek dignified last rites for murdered youths in Imphal

Distraught parents of the two youths, photographs of whose murdered bodies triggered massive protests in the Imphal valley, have beseeched authorities to locate their remains for a dignified funeral. The duo disappeared in July and became the epicentre of a mystery that has seen the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) stepping in for answers.
Hijam Kulajit, father of the 18-year-old girl, expressed to PTI, “We need to conduct their last rites with the dignity they deserve.” His emotional turmoil is palpable as he added, “Seeing her photo leaves me restless. Her mother has become bed-ridden, holding onto our daughter’s photo.”
The pair, missing since July 6, were last captured on a CCTV at Nambol in the Bishnupur district. Their mobile locations led to Lamdan in the Kuki-dominated Churachandpur district. The girl’s father couldn’t comprehend the reason behind their tragic end. Meanwhile, the grief-stricken mother of the 20-year-old boy still prepares meals for her departed son, expressing, “I haven’t washed my son’s blanket as I can still smell him.”
Observing Meitei customs, both mothers pay homage daily with offerings until the last rites are executed. Their hopes now hinge on the CBI to uncover the truth behind their children’s demise.
Chief Minister N Biren Singh, after discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, announced that the culprits would be brought to justice. As violence erupts in the valley, with students and youths clashing with authorities, the law and order situation worsens. Over 60 individuals suffered injuries, leading to curfew imposition in the Imphal East and West districts.
The valley’s unrest is an aftermath of ongoing ethnic tensions, ignited on May 3 by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’. This march protested against the majority Meitei community’s push for Scheduled Tribe status, leading to clashes and casualties. In this backdrop, senior IPS officer Rakesh Balwal from Jammu and Kashmir has been assigned to Manipur to address the escalating tensions.
Fresh turmoil broke out post the viral dissemination of the youths’ deceased images on social media. Protestors besieged and vandalised the deputy commissioner’s office in Imphal West, while clashing with law enforcement in various city sectors.