JAC: Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of Elderly Couple
In a distressing incident, a 75-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife were allegedly thrown down a 60-foot ravine at Leimatak hill range in Manipur on November 7, 2023. The couple, identified as Pukhrambam Birchandra Singh and Sagolsem Pishakmacha Devi, has been missing since the reported incident, sparking concerns and raising questions about their safety.
JAC’s Ultimatum to the Government
A newly formed Joint Action Committee (JAC) has issued an ultimatum to the government, demanding the immediate tracing and handover of the deceased bodies of the septuagenarian couple. The JAC, formed to address the pressing issue, has set a deadline for the government to fulfill their demands by Monday.
Mysterious Disappearance
The elderly Meitei couple’s disappearance took a sinister turn after reports emerged that miscreants had allegedly pushed them down the ravine. Despite having mobile connections with their family members until 10 am on November 7, 2023, the couple’s whereabouts remain unknown. A police complaint has been filed, and an inquiry is underway to establish the facts surrounding their disappearance.
Past Evacuations and Current Concerns
The Meitei people in the Leimatak area had been evacuated twice before, following violence on May 3. However, the missing couple was not among those evacuated, adding to the mystery of their disappearance.
JAC’s Demands
The JAC has presented three key demands to the government:
- Immediate Handover: The government is urged to hand over the septuagenarian couple to their family members by November 21, 2023.
- Arrest Suspected Militants: The JAC demands the arrest of suspected Kuki militants involved in the alleged incident and calls for stringent punishment according to the law.
- Agitation Warning: In the event that the government fails to meet the first two demands, the JAC, in collaboration with local clubs and civil society organizations, threatens to launch various forms of agitation.
The ultimatum intensifies the pressure on authorities to resolve the mystery surrounding the elderly couple’s disappearance and ensures justice is served for the distressed family.