Imphal, Nov 22: After 11 days of waiting for forensic and procedural clearances, the bodies of eight Meitei hostages, including women and children, were handed over to their families on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Yurembam Rani Devi (60), Telem Thoibi Debi (31), Laisram Heitombi Devi (25), Telem Thajmanbi Devi (8), Laisram Chingkheiganba Singh (2.5), Laisram Langamba Singh (8 months), Laisram Baren Maitri (60), and Maibam Kesho (7). Their bodies were retrieved from Assam’s Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH), where they had been awaiting examination.

The tragic incident stemmed from a gunfight on November 11 between CRPF forces and Kuki militants, after which six people—three women and three children from the Meitei community—went missing from a relief camp in Jiribam.

Following assurances from Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the bereaved families accepted the bodies and proceeded with the last rites. The state government has assured the Joint Action Committee (JAC) that the case will be transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for further investigation.

In response to escalating violence in Jiribam, bordering Assam’s Cachar district, an alert has been issued, and security forces have been deployed for round-the-clock patrolling to prevent further incidents.

Since May last year, over 220 lives have been lost, and thousands have been displaced due to ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei community in the Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups in the adjoining hills.

Also Read: Nagaland CM Neiphiu Rio discusses key issues with Amit Shah in New Delhi

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