A 59-year-old Sunulok attack survivor, Sorokhaibam Ibomcha, has died at RIMS, taking the death toll among Meitei civilians to four.
Imphal, Oct. 31: A 59-year-old man who sustained injuries during the October 19 attack on civilians at Sunulok on Nongshum hill has succumbed to his injuries at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, taking the death toll among Meitei victims in the incident to four.
The deceased, identified as Sorokhaibam Ibomcha, son of late Chandra Singh and a resident of Nongshum, died at around 10:30 am on Saturday while undergoing treatment at RIMS Hospital. He is survived by his elderly mother and a 14-year-old son.
According to information provided by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), Ibomcha had sustained an abdominal injury while attempting to escape during the October 19 attack. He reportedly suffered the injury after jumping off a truck when armed attackers opened fire on civilians at Sunulok.
As there were no severe visible external injuries, he initially did not consider his condition serious and continued with his daily activities. However, he developed abdominal pain a few days later, following which he was admitted to RIMS Hospital on Sunday, October 25.
Medical examinations at RIMS reportedly revealed serious internal damage to his intestines. Doctors subsequently performed surgery to treat the injuries, and he remained under medical care.
Despite treatment, his condition did not improve, and he died on Saturday morning, the JAC said.
His mortal remains have been kept at the RIMS morgue for post-mortem examination.
The October 19 incident occurred at Sunulok on Nongshum hill, along the border of Imphal East and Kangpokpi districts, when Meitei civilians who had gone to collect firewood came under indiscriminate gunfire allegedly carried out by Kuki militants.
Three civilians were killed in the attack. They were identified as:
- Arubam Ronil (35): Nongshum Mayai Leikai.
- Lairenlakpam Inaobi (44): Nongshum Awang Leikai.
- Kshetrimayum Sushil (32): Uyumpok Mayai Leikai.
Three other persons sustained injuries and were hospitalised following the incident.
With Ibomcha's death on Saturday, the number of civilians killed in the October 19 attack has increased to four.
His death also leaves behind an elderly mother and a 14-year-old son, adding another family to those affected by the continuing violence in Manipur.
