Grief strikes as family performs last rites for missing student in Manipur

Imphal: A pall of gloom has enveloped the residence of 20-year-old student Phijam Hemjit, who is among the 32 individuals listed as missing in the ongoing violence in Manipur and is now presumed dead.

On Wednesday (July 24), Phijam Hemjit’s last rites were performed according to Meitei customary practices.

In the absence of his body, his family conducted traditional rituals using a symbolic representation made from the bark of a Pangong tree.

The bark was dressed in clothing, and the final rites were performed by his father, Phijam Ibungobi, at the Yakyel Kolom Leikai crematorium in Imphal West district of Manipur.

Hemjit, along with 17-year-old female student Linthoingambi Hijam from Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai, went missing on July 06, 2023.

Despite an extensive search and investigation, their whereabouts remain unknown.

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The central bureau of investigation (CBI) is handling the case but has yet to provide conclusive information on their status.

CCTV footage obtained by Manipur police showed the two students riding a KTM bike towards Khoupum via Lamdan in Churachandpur district of Manipur, an area severely affected by the ongoing communal strife between the Kuki and Meitei communities.

Despite this lead, authorities have been unable to locate them.

The CBI, after taking over the case, has filed charge sheets against five individuals arrested in connection with the abduction and presumed murder of the two Meitei students.

However, the investigation continues as the families and community await justice and closure.