In a sombre revelation on Tuesday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren addressed the challenges faced by authorities in recovering the bodies of individuals who went missing during the ongoing crisis gripping the region.
Speaking on the floor of the House, the chief minister, who is the leader of the House, highlighted the difficult terrain and dense jungle as significant obstacles hindering the recovery efforts.
According to the latest update provided by CM Biren, a total of 61 individuals were reported missing during the crisis.
Out of this count, nine were successfully traced alive, while the grim reality revealed that 26 had been found deceased. However, the most concerning aspect remains the fate of the remaining 28 individuals whose bodies are yet to be located.
Despite efforts to apprehend those responsible for the disappearances, investigative agencies have struggled to locate the missing bodies, he said, noting that the bodies were not found in the locations disclosed by the accused individuals, further complicating the search and recovery process.
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The chief minister’s remarks came in response to a supplementary of a starred question raised by opposition MLA O Surjakumar, who voiced concerns over the plight of the victim families awaiting closure to perform the last rites of their loved ones.
Expressing empathy for the families, the MLA urged expedited efforts in locating the missing bodies.
Also addressing the plight of the 1,555 victims who sustained injuries during the crisis, Surjakumar questioned the measures in place to support those severely wounded.
He even cited the case of a breadwinner from Khangabok in Thoubal district, whose eye was injured by a stray bullet, leaving the family in financial distress as they seek treatment outside the state.
In response, the chief minister assured that financial assistance had been extended to all victims through schemes like PMJAY and CMHT for medical treatment.
Additionally, the government had approved a policy to aid seriously injured victims through various rehabilitation programs, he added.
Turning to the investigation process of specific cases, MLA K Meghachandra in another starred question raised concerns about the missing students P Hemjit and Hijam Linthoinganbi.
In his response, Biren disclosed that the CBI had filed a charge sheet against five arrested individuals in connection with the case.
However, he refrained from disclosing their identities on the House’s floor divulging further details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
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