Northeast Desk, 9th October: Manipur’s Security Advisor, Kuldiep Singh, has responded to a viral video that reportedly shows the disturbing burning of a tribal man’s body. In a media briefing, Singh confirmed that the incident captured in the video occurred in May 2023.
Singh stated, “Yesterday there was video, and we have verified the same, and after verifying, we have found out that it is a sequel of the event which happened on May 4 itself…the body has been identified, and the person’s body is lying in the hospital.”
The deceased individual has been identified as Lal Ding Thanga Khongsai, also known as Lal James, aged 37. He was a resident of Hou Hong Ching Village in the Kangpokpi District of Manipur. Currently, his body is being kept at Janims Hospital.
The Manipur Director General of Police (DGP) has recommended that the incident be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) as it is related to a previous video showing women being paraded naked.
Manipur’s DGP, Rajiv Singh, had earlier stated that they were working to verify the authenticity of the video, even though it appears to be from four months ago. Reports indicate that the victim’s bones and remains were collected and buried.
While the government has not officially confirmed the incident, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has denied the claims made by tribal groups. On the other hand, a representative from the Kuki-Zo community mentioned that they were trying to ascertain the identity of the victim, as several individuals from their community were alleged to have been burned alive during the violent episode.