In a shocking incident, a 14-year-old student, feeling overwhelmed upon seeing his parents, who had been separated from him ever since the conflict broke out, suddenly collapsed and died on Sunday, sources said.
The deceased student has been identified as one Atom Nganba (14), son of Atom Tejmani from Ikou Bazar under Saikul police station in Kangpokpi district, the sources said.
According to the sources, Nganba was staying at Success School boarding in Chingarel Tezpur in Imphal East District along with his 12-year-old sister, Thaja, when the conflict broke out.
His father, Tejmani (40), and his mother, Asha (39), along with their grandparents had to flee their house following the attack by Kuki militants around 7:30 pm on May 3. Their house was also reportedly burned down in the attack.
They had been seeking refuge in the relief camp opened at Naorem Birhari College in Khundrakpam ever since, sources said.
The two children, Nganba and Thaja, were staying at the boarding school during the conflict and had remained separated from their parents. However, they were well aware of the situation their family members were facing and their stay at the relief camp, the sources stated.
It may be mentioned that the state government had built prefabricated shelter homes at Sajiwa Jail Complex, Imphal East district for the people displaced by the ongoing conflict on August 23.
Tejmani and his wife Asha also acquired a spot in the shelter home and made all arrangements to move in on Sunday. Following which, they went to the boarding school around 8 am to get their son and daughter.
Upon hearing that his parents had come to get them, Nganba came running, excited and relieved to see his parents after months. He then told his parents to wait as he went off to bid farewell to the teachers of the school, the sources added.
However, Nganba suddenly collapsed in front of his teachers, following which, he was immediately rushed to Raj Medicity Hospital. Sadly, the doctors could not revive him and he died.
According to Nganba’s grandfather, Nganba passed out once after he came back from a football practice at Ikou Bazar 3 years ago.
His body has been taken by the family members from Raj Medicity. However, they might be apprehensive to enter their village in view of the prevailing situation.
