IT News
Imphal, July 21:
Phijam Ibungobi Singh, the father of 17-year-old Phijam Hemanjit, has announced that the final rites for his son will be held on July 24, 2024, without the body. The announcement comes after a year of turmoil and legal challenges following the tragic murder of Phijam Hemanjit and another victim, Hijam Linthoingambi.
Speaking to the media, Phijam Ibungobi Singh from Sagolband Tera Takyel Kolom Leikai detailed the events surrounding his son’s disappearance and death. “The children went missing on July 6, 2023, and it was later revealed by police that they were killed and buried in Joujangtek,” he stated.
Despite submitting numerous memorandums to Kuldiep Singh, Singh reported no significant action. “We were informed that the case was taken over by the CBI in August, leading to the arrest of four individuals, including the alleged mastermind who was apprehended in Pune. However, there has been no progress in the case hearing.”
He noted that while a charge sheet has been submitted to the Chief Judicial Magistrate’s office, no hearings have been scheduled.
With July 24 marking one year since the children’s disappearance in the Meitei calendar, Singh and his family are preparing to conduct the final rites for Phijam Hemanjit without his body or any remnants. “We have appealed to Kuldiep Singh, the security advisor, with the assistance of Ex-Minister Mirabai, to provide us with any remnants or belongings for the rituals, but our requests have been ignored. This is about our cultural and ritual needs, not just the case,” Singh said.
As the community prepares for the somber event, Singh expressed his deep frustration and helplessness. “I am a helpless Meitei man; I can’t even perform the last rites of my son properly,” he lamented, urging those who have supported their cause to join them in honoring his son’s memory.