Manipur: Post-mortem of two Naga men begins after missing head recovered, Naga council continues agitation

The post-mortem examination of two Naga men allegedly killed by suspected Kuki militants in Manipur's Makui village began after the severed head of one of the victims was recovered within the 48-hour deadline issued by the Joint Tribe Council (JTC). However, the council has decided to continue its agitation until the alleged main perpetrators of the October 10 attack are arrested.

Mathiuchunbou Rimai, president of the Liangmai Students' Union, Manipur, told reporters at the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) that the state government informed them of the recovery of the missing head from an area under Kangpokpi jurisdiction in the early hours of October 15.

The recovered remains of Ajinpou Ringkamai's head were brought to JNIMS at around 1.30 am, Rimai said, shortly before the expiry of the ultimatum issued by the JTC.

Despite the recovery, the council has maintained its demand for the arrest of Thangboi Kipgen, David Hangsing and Dr Sailen Haokip, whom it suspects of being the principal perpetrators of the attack. The allegations against the three have not been independently established.

The attack also claimed the life of Dibambou Ringkangmai, 48. The post-mortem examinations of both victims had been suspended pending the recovery of the missing head.

Describing the condition of the bodies, Rimai said the remains were severely mutilated and difficult to identify. He said Dibambou's head had been badly damaged by stones, while the bodies of both victims had deteriorated significantly.

The recovered head of Ajinpou was also reportedly mutilated and swollen, with extensive skin damage. The condition of the remains had added to the distress of the bereaved families and members of the community, Rimai said.

Several civil society organisations visited JNIMS to express solidarity with the families of the two deceased men.

The JTC's decision to continue its agitation underscores that the recovery of the missing remains has not addressed its demand for arrests in connection with the October 10 attack.