Civilian wounded in firing during Oting killings protest succumbs, says villagers

March 25, 2024 21 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Dimapur | March 25

A civilian, who allegedly sustained gunshot wound during the violent public upheaval in Mon town in the aftermath of the tragic Oting killings of December 4, 2021, has passed away. He breathed his last in the Mon District Hospital, on March 23, following a two-week long struggle in the ICU.

The deceased victim, Langpho Konyak, who belonged to Chaoha Chingnyu village, sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the violent protest that erupted in Mon town on December 5. The agitated protestors tried to storm the Assam Rifles camp in the town forcing the security personnel to open fire. Atleast 7 protestors fell victim to the firing on the day, one of whom succumbed, according to official reports at that time.

Chaolem Konyak, President of Chaoha Union Aboi town and a village member, told The Morung Express that Langpho was subsequently admitted to a hospital in Dimapur for the injuries he received that day. The medical report revealed shrapnel lodged deep in the leg. As told by Chaolem, the medical option was either amputation of the wounded leg or leaving the shrapnel lodged inside.

He said that the family opted for the latter taking into consideration the financial burden of opting for amputation. They decided to take him back home where he had to live the rest of his days in agony, he added.

Two weeks back, this month, the deceased was admitted at the Intensive Care Unit of Mon District Hospital after his condition reportedly did not improve. “We were hoping that he would make a recovery,” Chaolem said. He left behind his parents and several siblings.

Langpho was in his mid-twenties. Before he was wounded more than two years ago, he and his elder brother were the sole breadwinners of the family, working as daily wage earners.

“We all are very heartbroken for this tragic loss and if nothing else, I wish our State government would provide some assistance to the bereaved family,” Chaolem said.

The funeral service was held on March 24 at his native village.