In a poignant and deeply emotional farewell, the Kuki-Zo community in Churachandpur bid adieu to 12 young men whose tragic deaths have stirred fresh demands for justice and accountability.
Thousands gathered at Peace Ground in Tuibuong for the funeral ceremony on Thursday, marking a sombre chapter in the state’s ongoing ethnic conflict.
The funeral, meticulously organised into two sessions, began at 11 a.m. at the Peace Ground, where members of society, tribe leaders, and a delegation from Mizoram paid their respects.
The delegation included H Ginzalala, Adviser (Technical) to Mizoram’s Chief Minister, and leaders of the Young Mizo Association. They honoured the deceased by draping their coffins with traditional shawls.
The situation in Churachandpur, Manipur, has sparked controversy as the Chin-Kuki-Zo community held events glorifying 10 individuals killed in a Jiribam encounter with CRPF as "martyrs."
Netizens raised serious questions about the ability of security forces, despite the presence of 70,000 personnel, to address the display of 'separatist' flags and aggressive actions by the Chin-Kuki-Zo group.
Ginza Vualzong, spokesperson for the Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), remarked, "They showed their respect and honours by putting a traditional shawl over the coffins of the martyrs. All other tribe leaders paid their homage to the martyrs by covering their coffins with the customary traditional shawl."
The solemnity transitioned into the second session at the Martyrs Cemetery in Sehken. The fallen youths were accorded a gun salute by village volunteers before being laid to rest.
Community leaders have demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths, alleging discrepancies in the official account. Post-mortem reports indicate that the 10 youths, reportedly killed in a gunfight with security forces in Jiribam, sustained multiple bullet wounds, predominantly from the back.
“The autopsy reports reveal that most of the bullet injuries were inflicted from behind, raising questions about the nature of the encounter,” Vualzong stated.
Manipur Police had earlier claimed that the 10 were militants killed during an exchange of fire after insurgents attacked Borobekra Police Station and a CRPF camp.
However, the Kuki-Zo community disputes this version, emphasising the need for an impartial inquiry.
Two additional victims, killed by suspected Meitei militants while visiting family, were also mourned during the ceremony.
The tragedy is a stark reminder of the ethnic violence that has engulfed Manipur since May of last year. The unrest was triggered by a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ protesting the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe status.
The violence has claimed over 250 lives and displaced thousands.
Meiteis, who comprise 53 per cent of the state’s population, primarily reside in the Imphal Valley, while tribal groups, including Kukis and Nagas, live in the hill districts.
The funeral was accompanied by a district-wide shutdown in Churachandpur, reflecting the community’s collective mourning.
The 12 youths, aged between 19 and 35, were Elvis Lalropui (21), Joseph Lalditum (19), Lalthanei (22), Ruolneisang (30), Fimlienkung (31), Lalsiemlien Hmar (30), Francis Lalzarlien (25), Ramneilien (31), Henry Lalsanglien (25), Robert Lalnuntloung (19), Haojoel Doungel (27), and Thangtinmang Khongsai (35).
Their bodies had been held at Churachandpur District Hospital’s morgue since being airlifted from Assam’s Silchar Medical College in mid-November.
Following delays in receiving post-mortem reports, the ITLF had postponed the funeral, only announcing the date on 30 November.
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