In commemoration of the two students who were allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants, Thangmeiband Kendra Development Organisation (TAKDO) organised a tree plantation programme along with the family members of the two students at Thangmeiband, Imphal West on Sunday.
Phijam Ibungobi Singh, father of late Phijam Hemanjit Singh demanded the authority concerned to handover the bodies of the two students or at least a piece of their remnants so that the family members could perform the last rites.
He thanked TAKDO for organising the tree plantation programme in commemoration of the two students. He wished for a speedy return to normalcy with the saplings being planted in commemoration of Linthoingambi and Hemanjit.
Hijam Kulajit Singh, father of late Hijam Linthoingambi expressed his desire to plant the saplings at a reserved place where they could be prevented from being felled in the future.
He appealed not to cut down the saplings which are planted in commemoration of the two students. He suggested putting up a banner or a placard which says,“You can pluck the flowers or fruits, but do not cut the tree.”
He said that the state is facing an influx of illegal immigrants, while the indigenous plants of Manipur are being replaced by other plants. He appealed to the people to plant more indigenous plants to protect the identity of Manipur.
MLA, Thangmeiband assembly constituency Kh Joykisan who is also the chief patron member of TAKDO said plants and trees are essential to protect the future. Likewise, it is necessary to protect children to protect the future of the society, he added.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the largest investigating agency in India and it has nabbed the accused persons in connection with the murder of the two students. However, the whereabouts of their bodies are still unknown, he added.
He appealed to the investigating agency to find the bodies and hand them over to the bereaved families. TAKDO had already announced to cooperate with any movement launched by the JAC formed in connection with the murder of the two students, he said.
Padma Shri awardee Aribam Shyam Sharma started the plantation of saplings, followed by the fathers of the two deceased students.
