Kuki-Zo youths shot multiple times, mostly on back in Manipur’s Jiribram, reveals autopsy report | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: The 10 Kuki-Zo youths killed in an alleged confrontation with CRPF sustained multiple fatal bullet wounds, predominantly from behind, according to reports of post-mortem examination conducted at Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) in Assam. The PTI-accessed autopsy reports indicated no signs of torture apart from bullet injuries and their consequent effects.
The youths, one of whom was a minor, were reportedly killed in a gunfight with security forces on November 11 near Borobekra police station in Manipur’s Jiribam district. Police claimed the deceased were militants who attacked the station and a nearby CRPF camp.
The victims were identified as Ramneilien (29), Fimlien Kung Ngurte (31), Elvis Lalropei Zote (21), Lalthanei (22), Joseph Lalditum (19), Francis Lalzarlien (25), Roulneisang (30), Lalsiemlien Hmar (30), Henry Lalsanglien (25) and Robert Lalnuntluong (16). The post-mortem reports indicate most were wearing camouflage or khaki clothing. Six bodies arrived at SMCH on November 12, and four more, in early stages of decomposition, arrived on November 14. The reports estimate the time of death for the first group as 24-36 hours prior to examination, and 72-96 hours for the second group, except for Hmar, whose estimated time of death was 48-72 hours prior.
Each body had multiple bullet entry and exit wounds. Some had over a dozen wounds. The reports, signed by teams of three doctors, noted bullets hit the victims all over their bodies, with most shots fired from behind. Four of the victime (Ngurte, Lalzarlien, Hmar, and Lalsanglien) were each missing an eye.
The final cause of death remains pending, awaiting chemical analysis reports from the Directorate of Forensic Sciences in Guwahati.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF), a Kuki-Zo organization, stated the funeral will be held in Churachandpur district on December 5. The ITLF had previously stated, “The funeral of the Kuki-Zo youths would not be conducted till their post-mortem examination reports were handed over to the families.”
The bodies were transported from Silchar to Churachandpur on November 16 and remain in the local morgue. The ITLF claims the deceased were village volunteers, while the Manipur government maintains they were militants. This incident occurs amidst ongoing ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities, which has resulted in over 250 deaths and thousands displaced since May. The conflict emerged following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ opposing Meitei community’s ST status demands. Meiteis comprise 53 per cent of Manipur’s population, residing mainly in the Imphal Valley, whilst tribals constitute over 40 per cent, inhabiting hill districts.