Asem Bhakta, Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Since the eruption of violence in Manipur on May 3, 2023, families of the missing Meeteis continue to grapple with uncertainty and despair. Among the missing are Atom Samarendra, a journalist known for his altruism during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Phijam Hemanjit, a young man whose fate was tragically confirmed with a grim photo.
Atom Kavita, wife of Atom Samarendra, laments the absence of closure despite performing traditional last rites using Pangong tree leaves. She clings to hope, citing her husband’s goodwill toward the Kuki community as reason to believe he may yet be alive.
Phijam Ibungobi, father of Phijam Hemanjit, bears the agony of seeing his son’s lifeless image alongside another missing individual, Hijam Linthoungambi. Their bodies surfaced in September 2023, marking a grim end to their disappearance since June 6, 2023.
Yaikhom Bidya, now orphaned at 13, recounts the harrowing attack by Kuki militants that separated her from her father, Yaikhom Nanao. The darkness of that night shrouds her memories, leaving her with haunting images of violence.
Ninghthoujam Premlata, mother of Ningthoujam Anthony, mourns the loss of her son, allegedly taken and killed while innocently crossing a buffer zone. She clings to her phone, hoping for a call that may never come, refusing to accept her son’s fate until there’s definitive proof.
Maibam Devrani, mother of Maibam Avinash, shares a similar anguish, with her son missing since November 5, 2023.
RK Bijyalakshmi, President of SOULS, emphasizes the urgent need to trace missing persons to provide closure for families and bring perpetrators to justice. She calls on authorities to declare missing persons untraceable if their bodies cannot be found, enabling families to move forward with final rites.
The families appeal to the Government of India, the Government of Manipur, and the Kuki Community to facilitate the return of their loved ones, alive or deceased, to grant them closure and peace. The collective efforts of various organizations aim to support these grieving families in their quest for justice and closure.
Coordinated by: DEMAS; Delhi Meitei Coordinating Committee; Global Manipur Federation; Karnataka Meitei Association; Meitei Yaipha Lup; Meitei Alliance; Meitei Diaspora in America; Meitei Heritage Society; NUPI; SOULS; Team Meitei Personalities; and World Meitei Council.
