March 24, 2026 (TBL): Paying homage to the departed souls who died in the March 24, 2008 shooting incident at ‘Thabal Chongpham’ in Heirok, the 18th death anniversary of the infamous “Heirok Thabal Chongpham shooting incident of 2008” was observed on Wednesday with solemn floral tributes and large public participation.
The incident occurred during the fourth day of the Yaoshang festival on March 24, 2008, when unidentified militants gunned down two girls and seriously wounded another while targeting a youth, who was also killed during the Yaoshang (Holi) festival of that year. The attack claimed the lives of three residents—Thokchom Romesh, Thokchom Promila, and Laishram Nirmala—leaving a lasting mark on the history of Manipur and Heirok.
Marking the occasion, a memorial programme titled “Mangal Piba Numit” (Enlightenment Day) was organized by the RPN Memorial Trust at the memorial graveyard located near Heirok Part (I) Umang Laikol.
MLA of Heirok Assembly Constituency, Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam, attended the event as Chief Guest. The programme was presided over by the President of RPN Memorial Trust, Ningthoujam Samer, while former President Thokchom Ranjan attended as Guest of Honour.
Floral tributes were offered at the memorial graveyard in remembrance of the departed souls, led by MLA Radheshyam, followed by family members and a large number of local residents. The attendees observed a two-minute silence in their honour. Moreover, 300 personnel of SPO Heirok and members of Arambai Tengol Unit 5, Heirok, also paid their respects by offering floral tributes.
Speaking at the event, MLA Dr. Thokchom Radheshyam mentioned that the unfortunate incident of 2008 will forever be etched in the history of Manipur and Heirok. He further added that the incident, which happened abruptly and tragically took the lives of three promising youths, has left a void.
He emphasized that the pain and suffering of the families of the victims will be understood over time. He stated that the legacy of these three individuals resulted in the recruitment of 300 SPOs in the village and the establishment of VDF across Manipur. He also mentioned that the Higher Secondary School in Heirok, which did not exist before, was established as a result of their sacrifice.
The MLA emphasized that such violent incidents must never be repeated and called for peace, unity, and collective responsibility to ensure harmony in society.
Taking part in the event, RPN Memorial Trust Publicity Secretary L. Megha said that the ‘Mangal Piba Numit’ (Enlightenment Day) is observed every year in commemoration of the victims of the heinous incident and to constantly remind the future generation that war and violence only yield suffering.
He urged the people to learn from the infamous ‘Heirok Thabal Chongpham incident’ and to work in tandem for a better and peaceful Manipur.
Asserting that the incident had sparked a movement against ‘gun culture’ in the state, he appealed for any incident similar to the Heirok massacre to never happen anywhere in the future.
He also stated that although the lives of the three youths, who were the pride of their parents, were cut short, they have left a noble message for humanity—”Killing brings no benefit whatsoever.”
He further stated that the RPN Memorial Trust is taking the initiative to ensure that the contributions made by the three deceased to Heirok, known as the “Heirok Thabal Chongpham Incident,” are widely recognized by the younger generation. The Trust’s objective is to uphold the principle of living harmoniously rather than resorting to violence.
