Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 10:
Nineteen days after the terror attack at ISKCON complex on August 16, Khundongbam Ningthemjao of Kwakeithel Heinou Khongnembi, Thokchom Leikai succumbed to his injuries sustained during the ghastly attack leaving behind a shattered family.
However hard he had struggled for his dear life, the aged religious man could not hold on any longer and breathed his last on September 5 at Catholic Medical Centre, Koirengei.
Kh Ningthemjao with a grandchildren
All the family members were thunderstruck and somehow doubted for the worst when they heard of the unthinkable attack at the temple complex on the Janmasthami Day.
"We heard of the terrifying attack at around 7 pm and as I knew my father had gone to ISKCON temple, I had a strong feeling for the worst," recalled Gojen, the eldest son of Ningthemjao, with a heavy heart.
"But when we reached the temple complex, we were told that all the victims had been rushed to hospitals", added Gojen.
"Worried as all the family members were, we rushed to RIMS where we could not find our father.
Then we ran to Shija Hospital where too we could not locate our father", recalled Gojen of the tormenting moments.
Finally, the worried family was informed of their father lying on a stretcher at RIMS with multiple injuries.
"The sight of my father laying on a stretcher all alone broke my heart and tears made their way down my cheeks", repented the eldest son whose grief-stricken scene had also gripped relatives of other victims.
After treating for some days at RIMS, the aged victim of the terror attack was forced to shift to Catholic Medical Centre following the cease work stir undertaken by RIMS nurses.
Ninghtemjao was not only a religious man but was also a philanthropist, always ready to contribute what he can for every social work in his locality.
As for the inhuman attack, he called the perpetrators blood thirsty demons as well as cowards.
He questioned if they gained anything by killing innocent souls.
To a question, the dejected son disclosed that the State Government quite contrary to the declaration made by Chief Minister O Ibobi earlier, has not sent any intimation concerning ex-gratia payment till date.
The aged victim of the ISKCON terror attack is survived by seven children.
He used to serve as Assistant Agriculture officer.