IMPHAL, June 17: A 29-year-olddifferently-abled man, Chesam Abdul Kadir, who had been missing for a week, was found dead near the Nambul riverbank in Imphal West on Tuesday, sparking outrage and renewed tensions in conflict-hit Manipur.
Kadir, a resident of Phaobitek Mayai Leikai and holder of a government-issued 65% disability ID, was allegedly abducted by members of the Arambai Tenggol (AT), a Meitei volunteer group. His body was recovered between Samurou and Thounaojam following confessions by the accused during police interrogation.
Police said Kadir went missing on the night of June 10 after allegedly entering the residence of one Heikrujam Prafulo in Imphal West. Nine individuals — six members of Arambai Tenggol and three civilians including a woman — have been arrested and remanded to police custody till June 28. Authorities also seized five vehicles linked to the crime.
According to a senior police officer, the arrested suspects admitted to detaining and questioning Kadir over a suspected theft, during which he died. They confessed to secretly burying his body near the river.
The body was exhumed by police with assistance from the State Forensic Science Laboratory and shifted to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) mortuary for post-mortem.
The incident triggered public protests, with angry residents demanding justice. Police used tear gas shells to disperse the crowds, who retaliated with stones and slingshots.
Yunus Khan of the Disabled Development Association of Manipur condemned the killing. “Disabled individuals are often targets of discrimination and violence. This inhumane act must not go unpunished,” he said, urging authorities to ensure justice.
