IMPHAL, October 29: Imagine enduring the grief of losing several love ones at the same time in a tragic incident and having to await justice for nearly 13 years. But unfortunately this is a reality for Sinam ongbi Chandrajini Devi, who lost a sister and two sons in the infamous Malom massacre that took place in 2000 and is regarded as one of the worst killings perpetrated by security forces in Manipur.
Chandrajini’s sons Sinam Robinson alias Robin, 27, and Sinam Chandramani, 17, and her sister Laisangbam Sana Devi, 60, wife of L Tomba Singh of Kabawkching, were among the victims of the wanton firing perpetrated by troops of 8th Assam Rifles in the aftermath of a bomb blast targeting a convoy of Assam Rifles at Malom Tulihal Makha.
The incident will complete 13 years this November 2, however a case was filed at the then Guwahati High Court, against the AR authority to compensate for the loss and proclamation of the victims as civilians is still pending.
Talking to IFP, Chandrajini said her son Robinson, was an assistant teacher at the Mega High School, Malom, and the man the family mainly relies for support. But since his demise the family is finding it hard to make ends meet, she lamented.
It was very apparent from the shaky voice of Chandrajini, the trauma inflicted by the incident have taken a great toll on her.
“There are eleven members in the family and with just his (Robinson) pension things are not the way it used to be”, said Chandrajini.
She revealed that they have applied for die-in-harness facilities though all in vain. Instead the family had to spend an extravagant amount to move files from desk to desk.
It was learnt that among the 10 victims four including Robinson were government employees. But except for Robinson the kin of the other three victims have received die in harness benefits.
Chandramani was a national awardee. He had received the National Child Bravery Award from the President of India for saving a drowning child of his locality in the year 1987-88.
Except for Rs one lakh ex-gratia (for each victims) there had been no substantial relief rendered to the family.