Mass Funeral in Sadar Hills Draws Thousands, Grief and Anger Erupt Over Slain Volunteers

Two village volunteers killed in a pre-dawn ambush in Manipur’s hill district were laid to rest on Saturday amid massive public anger and grief, with thousands turning out for the funeral in Sadar Hills, underscoring escalating security concerns in the region.

Paominlun Haolai and Letlal Sitlhou were killed on April 24 when suspected Tangkhul militants launched a pre-dawn strike at Mulam village, triggering fresh tensions in the violence-hit district.

The funeral at the Martyrs’ Cemetery in Phaijang witnessed a sea of mourners, with men, women and children gathering in large numbers as the coffins arrived. Grieving family members broke down, while villagers stood in silence, reflecting both sorrow and simmering resentment over the killings.

The last rites were conducted under the aegis of the Committee on Tribal Unity, with leaders of the Kuki Zo Council, Kuki Inpi Manipur and other civil society organisations draping traditional shawls over the bodies as a mark of honour.

The journey to the final rites was marked by vigil and solidarity, with residents across Kangpokpi keeping watch through the night, offering prayers and support to the bereaved families. After post-mortem at the district hospital, the bodies were brought to Phaijang, where the last rites were held amid chants, prayers and quiet sobs. In a final act of tribute, fellow village volunteers rendered a gun salute, its echo cutting through the hills.

The bodies of the two slain volunteers were brought to the Martyrs’ Cemetery from Kangpokpi district headquarters along the national highway in a large procession of vehicles.

In a show of solidarity, a 10-hour shutdown called by CoTU brought normal life to a halt across Kangpokpi, with shops, schools and private establishments remaining closed, though vehicular movement was exempted.

Addressing the gathering, Kuki-Zo leaders delivered emotionally charged and sharply worded statements, paying tribute to the slain volunteers as defenders of their people while expressing deep anguish over the killings. They extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and hailed the courage and sacrifice of the two men, asserting that their deaths would not be forgotten.

Several leaders voiced serious concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the hill districts, stating that repeated incidents of violence have left communities vulnerable and fearful. They called for urgent and decisive measures to ensure the safety of civilians, stressing the need for accountability and stronger protection mechanisms.

The leaders also urged the community to remain united in the face of adversity, describing the massive turnout as a testament to collective resilience and solidarity. At the same time, they warned that continued inaction could further erode trust and deepen tensions in the region.

The killings and the massive turnout at the funeral have once again spotlighted the fragile law and order situation in Manipur’s hill districts, with local organisations raising concerns over security and demanding accountability.

The incident is the latest in a series of violent episodes in the region, which has remained tense amid ongoing ethnic strife, even as authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement on the attack.