Barely three days after the Mankhuam landslide search and rescue operation was called off, body parts believed to be of two missing victims were retrieved from the landslide debris site at Makhuam village in Noney district, Manipur, on Saturday.
The body parts believed to be of missing villagers, Chunthuiliu Gondaimei, 28, and her two-year-old daughter Jianthaoliu, were retrieved from the spot by excavators of the NF Railways on Saturday, sources said.
The body parts have been sent to JNIMS morgue and will be kept there until the relatives of the victims collect them for performing of the last rites, the sources said.
After three weeks of the tragic incident, on July 20, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh announced the state government’s decision to call off the rescue operation to trace the missing bodies in the recent landslide that hit Makhuam village (Marangching).
“After a thorough discussion with all stakeholders, the government has decided to officially close the rescue operation today,” Biren had said.
Apart from the body parts of two victims reportedly found on Saturday, a total of 56 bodies have been recovered from the landslide debris so far. And, at least 18 of the 79 victims survived the tragic incident, according to state official sources.
Meanwhile, Makhuam Village Authority, Makhuam Thou Pei, Makhuam Youth Club (MYC) and Makhuam Students’ Union (MSU) extended their utmost appreciation and gratitude to all involved in extending their services and taking up rescue efforts following the recent landslide that took place on the night of June 29.
They extended their gratitude to Chief Minister N Biren Singh; Disaster Management Minister Awangbow Newmai; Hill Area Committee Chairman (HAC) Dinganlung Gangmei alias Dipu; MLA Tamenglong constituency Janghemlung Panmei; Noney deputy commissioner Haulianlal Guite and district administration, PHED, SDRF, NDRF, Territorial Army and CRPF.
They also thanked teh district police, medical team Noney, RNCM, media, Noney District working Journalists Union (NoDWJU) Rongmei Naga Luh Phwam, KMC Longmai, Local Youth Volunteers and Mess department, Women Wing, youth from surrounding villages, Civil Social Organisations and all individuals who had rendered actively tireless selfless service to the village during stressful dilemmatic situation caused by the unfortunate landslide.
“Regardless of the soaring temperature, rain and bad topography you had shown the spirit of brotherhood and love for humanity,” Makhuam villagers stated in a joint statement.
“Through your faithful acts of altruism, the villagers felt a light of relief in these dark hours of distress. Your positive response strongly indicates that your gesture of helping hand, kindness and love upon the village is a service to our Almighty God,” statement read.
They further expressed their gratefulness and love to the Rongmei Baptist Churches Council (RBCC) and other Christian churches and fellowships, MLA RK Imo Singh and his wife, MLA Nemcha Kipgen, Tamenglong Labour Union and other organisations and individuals who had helped in term of donation of goods and financial assistance and of prayer.
They also expressed their sincere thanks to Rongmei Naga Students’ Organization Manipur (RNSOM) president Daichuipou Gangmei and his team for their outstanding service and instilling them the dignity of serving the people and leading in the frontline.
“We once again thank each and every one for your support and contribution. We remain indebted to your generous and friendly help. Your humanitarian acts shall be remembered in our heart ever. Thank you for standing with us. God bless you all,” it added.
