Rescuers retrieved eight more bodies at the landslide site in Manipur’s Noney district, taking the death toll in the tragedy to 29. A massive landslide had struck Noney last week. Among the bodies recovered, five are of soldiers of the Territorial Army’s infantry unit and the rest are of civilians. So far, the mortal remains of 20 soldiers and nine civilians have been retrieved.
Among the soldiers who lost their lives in the landslide are two from Assam - Jiyarul Islam of Rowinari village in Bajlai district and Balaram Sharma of Umrangso in Dima Hasao district. The mortal remains of the duo reached their respective native places and the final rites were performed with full military honours.
The search is still on for 34 other missing persons, which includes 10 TA soldiers and 24 civilians. Deputy commissioner Haulianlal Guite said, “Due to rainfall, new cracks have appeared at the site. All the rescue teams have been advised to proceed with caution. ”Over 400 rescuers are currently engaged in search and rescue operations assisted by search and rescue dogs.
