Indian Army Soldier's Family Agrees To Claim His Body Following Chief Minister's Assurance

The Kom Union President also disclosed that assurances had been given regarding the security of their villages and compensation for the slain sepoy's next of kin.

Outlook Web Desk

Updated on: 18 September 2023 2:18 pm

Manipur violence: Extensive Area Domination Operations

In a significant development, the family of an Indian Army soldier, Sepoy Thangthang Kom, who tragically lost his life in Manipur last week, has decided to claim his body. This decision follows assurances made by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who pledged to take stern actions against those responsible for the sepoy's untimely demise, as confirmed by a tribal organization, PTI reported.

Furthermore, Chief Minister Singh has committed to conducting a high-level inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the sepoy's killing, offering hope for a thorough investigation. Chungjahao Serto Kom, the President of Kom Union, the apex body representing the tribe to which the deceased belonged, stated, "Family members of Thangthang Kom agreed to take the dead body from the JNIMS morgue." He added, "We met our chief minister in the morning at the CM secretariat and placed our demand. He agreed to conduct a high-level enquiry under an IG-ranked officer in connection with the killing. Also, the CM assured us to take stringent actions against those who committed the heinous crime."

The Kom Union President also disclosed that assurances had been given regarding the security of their villages and compensation for the slain sepoy's next of kin. Expressing bewilderment about the tragic incident, Chungjahao emphasized, "We are clueless about how it happened. The deceased was an innocent man living a simple life."

Sepoy Thangthang Kom, serving in the Army's Defence Security Corps (DSC) platoon, was discovered deceased at Khuningthek village in Imphal East district on Sunday. Hailing from Tarung in Imphal West, Sepoy Kom leaves behind his wife, daughter, and son.

The unfortunate incident occurred when unidentified armed individuals abducted Sepoy Thangthang Kom, who was on leave, from his home around 10 am on September 16. His 10-year-old son, the sole eyewitness to the crime, recounted that three men had entered their home while he and his father were working on the porch.

The killing has prompted grief and condemnation from various quarters. Retired army officer from the state, Lt. Gen L Nishikanta Singh, expressed his sorrow over the loss of the soldier. Additionally, the Kangpokpi district-based Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU) has strongly condemned this tragic incident.