Imphal: Family members on Saturday claimed the bodies of two children killed in a bomb attack at Tronglaobi Awang Leikai in Bishnupur district. The siblings were finally laid to rest after more than three weeks of waiting, mourning, and unanswered questions.
The grieving family of five-year-old Oinam Tomthin and his five-month-old sister Oinam Yaisana, victims of a devastating explosion that tore through their home in the early hours of April 7, claimed their bodies from the RIMS mortuary. The children, offspring of BSF assistant sub-inspector Oinam Mangal Meitei, had been asleep when the blast struck at around 1:05am, shattering not only their home but also the fragile sense of safety in the area. Their mother, Binita, who survived with serious injuries, continues to bear both physical and emotional scars.
The funeral procession moved slowly through Imphal from the RIMS mortuary towards Tronglaobi Awang Leikai, where mourners gathered in large numbers — their grief spilling into quiet tears and solemn prayers. Hundreds of people lined the streets along the route, offering floral tributes to the departed souls. The final rites were performed at Torbung Phaogakchao Ikhai Lamthabung in Bishnupur district.
The April 7 blast sparked immediate fury. Accusing security forces of failing to protect civilians, enraged residents stormed a nearby CRPF camp at Gelmon, vandalising property and setting vehicles ablaze. The confrontation quickly escalated into violence, with CRPF personnel opening fire to disperse the crowd. Two people were killed on the spot, and another later succumbed to injuries — deepening the cycle of grief and anger.
Earlier, on April 24, the bodies of those killed in the clash were also claimed by their families and laid to rest. In a statement released on Friday, the bereaved parents said they are still seeking justice for their children and that there is no possibility of reaching any understanding with the government under the present circumstances. The Manipur government has since handed over the case to the National Investigation Agency, but for the families left behind, the wait for truth and justice continues.
