The story behind mass burial of 87 victims of Manipur ethnic clashes

In a sorrowful ceremony at the Wall of Remembrance in Manipur's Churachandpur district, 87 victims of the prolonged ethnic clashes found their resting place on Wednesday, December 20.

After almost eight months of anguish, the Kuki-Zo community bid farewell to their loved ones, marking a harrowing chapter in Manipur's history.

Months of agony

• The 87 deceased, all from the Kuki-Zo community, were laid to rest near Khuga Dam after being kept in morgues for more than seven months, reported India Today.

• Attendees revealed that the burial site, now officially named the 'Kuki-Hmar-Mizo-Zomi Martyr Cemetery,' symbolizes the toll exacted by the ethnic strife that erupted on May 3, 2023.

• Among the 87 bodies, 41 were transported from Imphal by air just last week, while the remaining 46 had been in the morgue of Churachandpur Hospital, as reported by Ukhrul Times.

• After months of uncertainty and tension, arrangements were finally made to transport the bodies back to their respective home districts.

• Notably, the story of a one-month-old infant named Isaac, born on April 10, 2023, stands out. The child's life was tragically cut short due to the chaos that engulfed Churachandpur, as reported by India Today North East.

• The burial proceedings were facilitated after the Supreme Court of India directed the state government on November 28 to ensure the respectful burial of the deceased.

The violence claimed the lives of over 175 people in the northeastern state.

Reactions

• Indigenous Tribal Leader’s Forum took to X to say, "Rest, warriors, under our ancestral land’s embrace. Your sacrifice etches justice’s trace. We’ll carry you every stride, Until our tapestry, whole and wide."

• The Joint Philanthropic Organisation urged for a shutdown, symbolizing the community's collective mourning.
• Albert Renthlei, Convenor of Zo United, delivered a speech, while Rev. Dr S Vungminthang, President of the Goodwill Council, also offered condolences, as reported by India Today.