IMPHAL: A tribal organization in Manipur has formally requested the authorities to facilitate the repatriation of the bodies of Kuki-Zo community members who lost their lives during the state's five-month-long ethnic conflict. These bodies are currently housed in morgues in the state capital, Imphal.
The Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), based in Kangpokpi district, has petitioned for the safe transportation of these deceased individuals. While a senior official from Imphal East district noted their readiness to comply with government directives, they have yet to receive a formal request from the tribal organization.
COTU's Media Cell Coordinator, Lun Kipgen, stated, "We would appreciate if the authorities allowed the bodies of Kukis in Imphal morgues to be transported to Kangpokpi. After consulting with the victims' families, the mortal remains will be laid to rest in a cemetery at Phaijang."
Although the exact number of bodies to be transported was not specified by COTU's leader, initial estimates suggest it could involve approximately 50 individuals. Kipgen added, "We urge the authorities and civil society organizations in Imphal to provide security during the transportation of the bodies."
He emphasized the importance of not hastily disposing of unidentified bodies and called for the establishment of a mechanism for their identification.
Previously, it may also be mentioned in the present context of this COTU repatriation that Meiteis, another community, had claimed the bodies of their community members from the mortuaries of two government hospitals in Imphal, performing the last rites.
The violence, which erupted on May 3 following a 'Tribal Solidarity March' organized in the hill districts to protest against the Meitei community's demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, resulted in more than 180 casualties.
In Manipur, the Meiteis make up around 53 percent of the population and predominantly reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribals, including Nagas and Kukis, constitute 40 percent and are primarily located in the hill districts.
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