Disposal of bodies of Covid victims by IMC Allegations of high charge raised

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Dec 1 : In a surprising development, allegations that Imphal Municipal Corporation is imposing hefty charges for disposing bodies of COVID-19 victims have come to light.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club today, cultural activist Rakesh Naorem alleged that IMC has imposed labour and cremation charges amounting Rs 15,000 from a family of those who died from COVID-19.
While maintaining that imposing burdensome charges on the bereaved family instead of extending support is something undesirable, Rakesh drew the attention of the State Government to intervene in the matter.
The State Government recently assured to bear costs of the precautionary measures taken in cremation of persons who died of COVID-19 and to reimburse the charges which were taken earlier. However contrary to it 'a Jamandar of IMC' had charged Rs 15,000 for cremating a COVID victim, Sanabam Tombi Singh (90) from Wangkhei Pukhrambam yesterday, he alleged.
Spouse of one Sanasam Romeba (of Tentha Khongbal who also succumbed to the virus at JNIMS on November 2), had also earlier decried IMC for imposing the same amount for cremating her husband.
Not only this, many people across the State have expressed their resentment over the issue, he continued while urging the State Government to lay out a comprehensive policy in view of the situation and not to add burden to the mourning family.
He also appealed to the State Government to set up a COVID-19 specific cremation facility.Joining the press meet via video conference, the daughter of Sanabam Tombi Singh, who breathed his last at RIMS Hospital due to COVID-19 at around 7 pm of November 29, Dr Thaninleima questioned all concerned whether the corpse of an individual will be left unattended if the family of the deceased fails to manage the amount they are charging for cremation.
Lamenting that the Government has not kept its word, she also appealed to the State Government to address the issue at the earliest.
She also asked why it took so long for RIMS authority to report the death to the DC causing delay and inconvenience to the family in performing last rites.
There is also a custom of fasting till the cremation  process is over, she reminded while urging all to ensure such delay in submitting report and delivery of the mortal remains do not happen in the future.