The family members of the victim killed in the Joujangtek ambush in Noney district, along with the Chiru Union, have announced that they will not claim the body of the deceased until the government provides assurances on their demands, including the arrest of those responsible for the attack.

The decision comes after suspected armed militants allegedly ambushed a vehicle near Joujangtek village on May 13 at around 6:30 pm, killing one person and injuring two others.

The deceased was identified as Wilson Thanga, a member of the Chiru Naga community from Dolang village in Noney district. His wife and the driver of the vehicle were also injured in the attack while they were returning home from Imphal.

Wilson Thanga’s body was kept at the mortuary of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences on Thursday.

Several leaders, including Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas and Naga MLAs Awangbow Newmai, Dinganglung Gangmei, SS Olish, Kashim Vashum and Janghemlung Panmei visited the mortuary and expressed condolences to the bereaved family.

Speaking to reporters, Chiru Union general secretary Daniel described the incident as “highly condemnable” and said the deceased was an innocent civilian and the sole breadwinner of his family.

He said the union and the victim’s family would submit their demands to the government, including immediate arrest of the perpetrators, compensation for the family and a suitable government job for a family member.

“Until we receive assurance or reach an understanding with the government, the body will not be claimed,” he said.

MLA Awangbow Newmai strongly condemned the attack and said the government would make every effort to identify and arrest those responsible.

He also expressed condolences to all families affected by recent violence in Manipur, including the killing of three members of the Thadou community in Kangpokpi district and the Chiru Naga victim in Noney district.

Newmai appealed to church leaders and civil society organisations to come together against violence and unlawful activities in the state.