Northeast Desk, 9th October: In a disturbing incident in Manipur, a video has emerged online, purportedly showing the burning of an unidentified tribal man’s body.
Sources report that the victim remains unidentified at this time. However, Manipur DGP Rajiv Singh has stated that they are working to authenticate the video, although it appears to be approximately four months old.
The video suggests that the victim’s bones and remains were collected and subsequently buried. Despite this shocking footage, the government has not confirmed the incident. Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has refuted claims made by tribal groups regarding the incident.
Conversely, a representative from the Kuki-Zo community has stated that they are trying to establish the victim’s identity, as allegations suggest that five or six individuals from their community may have been burned alive during the violence.
On October 6, the United Nations Human Rights expressed concerns over the vandalization of activist Babloo Loitongbam’s residence in Manipur. Notably, the UN Human Rights directly implicated local groups Meitei Leepun and Arambai Tengol in the incident.
In a statement on X (formerly known as Twitter), the the UN Human Rights stated: “We are alarmed by threats to human rights defender Babloo Loitongbam by Meitei Leepun & Arambai Tengol groups in Manipur for speaking out on inter-communal violence since May. We urge authorities to protect him, his family & home, & hold perpetrators accountable.”
This reaction comes after unidentified individuals allegedly attacked the residence of Babloo Loitongbam, director of Human Rights Alert, on October 5 in Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai, Imphal West district. The assailants reportedly vandalized various household items, including a car, chairs, and window panes. In response, a team from Lamphel Police Station and Imphal West district Police promptly arrived at the scene to implement necessary security measures.