Senapati: The mortal remains of four Naga civilians killed in an ambush in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district on Thursday were brought to Senapati District Hospital on Friday morning for post-mortem examinations.
The bodies were escorted by the CRPF after a tense standoff over their movement from the incident site.
On Thursday evening, an irate mob stormed the Senapati SP office after CRPF personnel sent to retrieve the bodies were reportedly denied passage by residents of T Waichong village.
The Kangpokpi SP later visited the area to assess the situation, following which the bodies were allowed to proceed under CRPF escort on Friday morning.
The mortal remains were first received by civil society organisations in Senapati at Thonglang Atongba, a Laingmei village, at around 8:30 am. The village authority presented four shawls for the deceased during the reception.
The bodies reached Senapati District Hospital at around 10:24 am, where post-mortem examinations were underway.
Large numbers of people gathered along the route and at the reception point to pay their respects. Several family members reportedly fainted after receiving the mortal remains and were treated at the hospital.
Gaikamang Ringkangmai, 44, who sustained a grievous injury to his left forearm in the incident, is also undergoing treatment at Senapati District Hospital. Student leader Japou MK of Thonglang Akutpa, who reportedly escaped the attack, is also at the hospital.
The United Naga Council (UNC) condemned the attack, alleging that it was carried out by Kuki armed militants, and demanded a Special Investigation Team to conduct a thorough and impartial probe.
The UNC has also called for a 12-hour ‘Genna’ from 6 am to 6 pm on Friday across Naga-inhabited areas and districts.
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