Manipur CM urges families to accept bodies of slain children as protests intensify across Imphal valley​

Imphal, April 25 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday appealed to the family members of the two children killed in a bomb attack in Bishnupur district to accept their bodies, which have remained in a morgue for the past 19 days.​

A 5-year-old boy and his 6-month-old sister were killed, while their mother sustained serious injuries, when suspected Kuki militants hurled a powerful bomb at their home in Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district on April 7 as the victims were asleep.​

Family members of the victims had earlier stated that they would not accept the bodies until those responsible for the attack were identified, arrested, and punished.​

On Saturday, thousands of people, including many women from across the Imphal Valley, participated in a protest rally organised by the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), an apex body representing the Meitei community.​

The rally moved towards the Kangla Fort Western Gate, with participants intermittently facing resistance from security forces.​

Following a meeting with a COCOMI delegation, the Chief Minister said that security agencies are conducting round-the-clock operations to trace and apprehend the perpetrators.​

He said they are in constant touch with the families of the victims and the Joint Action Committee formed in connection with the incident, and added that the state government is deeply distressed that the bodies of the two children are still lying in the morgue.​

He further said that the case has been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.​

The Chief Minister, accompanied by Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh, reiterated that the state government remains open to dialogue with all organisations and is seeking cooperation to restore peace and harmony in Manipur.​

He noted that ongoing agitations, prolonged shutdowns, and unrest have adversely affected all sections of society, particularly daily wage earners, traders, and students.​

Describing the killing of the two children in Bishnupur, along with the recent ambush in Ukhrul district in which two Naga civilians were killed, as inhuman acts, Singh said these incidents have spread fear and anguish among the people.​

Earlier in the day, large numbers of men and women staged protests in Imphal, demanding justice for the slain children, rehabilitation of displaced persons, and the restoration of permanent peace in the state.​

The rally organised by COCOMI attracted participants from across the valley region.​

Protesters attempting to march towards the Chief Minister’s official bungalow were stopped by security forces at multiple points.​

According to a police official, security personnel used tear gas shells after demonstrators attempted to breach barricades.​

Subsequently, a delegation of protesters was allowed to meet the Chief Minister and submit a memorandum outlining their demands.​

Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas Singh stated that the memorandum submitted by COCOMI included seven key issues and demands, and assured that the government is committed to safeguarding indigenous communities.​

He further said that investigations into both the Bishnupur blast and the April 18 Ukhrul ambush have been handed over to the National Investigation Agency.​

A National Investigation Agency team, led by an Inspector General, has already visited the blast site at Tronglaobi village in Bishnupur district as part of the ongoing probe.​

–IANS

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