Manipur: Wife of Jiribam violence victim welcomes baby in Cachar relief camp amid tragedy

In the midst of the unrelenting ethnic violence gripping Manipur, a story of profound loss and fragile hope has emerged, shedding light on the devastating human toll of the ongoing conflict in Manipur.

Nengboi Doungel, a Kuki-Zo woman from Pangmol Village in Tamenglong district, delivered a baby girl at the Hmarkhawlien Relief Camp in Assam. Tragically, this moment of new life coincided with the arrival of her husband Haojoel Doungel’s mutilated body in Churachandpur district of Manipur.

Haojoel had relocated his family to the safety of the relief camp amidst the violent ethnic clashes ravaging their homeland. As his wife’s due date approached, he ventured to Jirighat in search of financial assistance to secure her safe delivery. 

Reports from Kuki Inpi Jiribam indicate that Haojoel was abducted by suspected militants. Witnesses and preliminary investigations reveal that he suffered brutal torture, with his body bearing signs of severe trauma and mutilation. His remains were discovered in a culvert near Anglapur village in Jiribam, sending shockwaves through the community.  

Unaware of the horrific fate that had befallen her husband, Nengboi went into labour on the same day Haojoel’s body reached Churachandpur. While her newborn daughter brought a glimmer of joy, the juxtaposition of birth and death underscored the profound grief enveloping her family.

Also read: Kuki-Zo MLAs demand political dialogue for lasting peace in Manipur, call for NIA probe into civilian deaths