Manipur’s Unsung Hero: 75-Year-Old ‘Eshing Maiba’ Has Brought Nearly 480 plus Souls Home But Still Awaits Recognition
In the quiet lanes of Urup Awang Leikai, Imphal East, lives a man whose courage has given closure to hundreds of grieving families. MD Salauddin @ Asatullah Tampakmayum, fondly known as Eshing Maiba, is no ordinary man. At 75 years of age, while most would spend their days in rest, he dives into murky waters, risking his life to bring back those who never made it home. He has a wife, Tampakmayum Hayatul, and six children — all of whom are married.
For the past five decades, Eshing Maiba has been doing what many dare not attempt, recovering the bodies of the drowned from rivers, ponds, lakes, and floodwaters.
His work is not for money or fame. It is for humanity. It is for those mothers, fathers, siblings, and children who wait helplessly on the riverbanks, praying for a final chance to see their loved ones, even if lifeless.
Just days ago, on 19th September, Eshing Maiba once again proved why he is the first call for families in despair. He recovered the body of Wahengbam Gourahari, who had been missing in floodwaters at Mayang Imphal Chirai Farm. Coordinating with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and local volunteers, he led the recovery operation until Gourahari’s body was returned to his family. The very next day, he was seen once again at Khsetri Awang Leikai along with Kshetrigao AC’s MLA Shiekh Noorul Hassan , SDRF team and other volunteers, joining the search for a 70-year-old MD Ramjan Ali who had been swept away by the swollen Iril River on 15th September.
This is not a one-time act of bravery. This is his life’s calling. Eshing Maiba first recovered a body from the Iril River at the young age of 25 and never stopped. Today, the number of souls he has recovered has crossed an astonishing 482 .
Speaking to Ichel News Network (INN), Asatullah shared his side of the story, saying, “I have recovered up to 482 bodies so far. People come to me from all over the state, regardless of caste, creed, or religion, and I help everyone who seeks my assistance. There is no difference amongst us.”
“When I search for bodies, I can stay underwater for nearly 40 minutes, whether in the hill districts or the valley,” he told Ichel News Network (INN), a statement that speaks volumes about his unmatched skill and unwavering dedication. “I do not want to take money from the people, as many who come to me for help are the poorest of the poor. It would be nice if the government could step up and provide me with some assistance,” he says with quiet dignity.
His efforts have not gone completely unnoticed. Titular king and Rajya Sabha MP Leishemba Sanajaoba shared in a Facebook post that he had urged the state government to recognize Eshing Maiba’s contributions and dedication. Former chief minister N. Biren Singh also extended financial assistance to him as a gesture of respect for his lifelong service to the people.
Yet, behind this extraordinary man is a family that struggles to make ends meet. His wife, Tampakmayum Hayatul, and his children work as daily wage laborers. No one in the family holds a government job. They live simply and honestly, continuing to support the patriarch of the family as he risks his health and safety in service of others.
Despite his decades of service, neither the state nor central government has stepped in to formally honor or support him. All he has are small tokens of recognition from local organizations and the love of the community.
His family, as well as neighbors and well-wishers, are now raising their voices.
“If the government could provide a job to one of his children, it would ease our financial burden. It would allow our father to keep helping people without worrying about his family’s survival,” they said.
Even Eshing Maiba admits that age is catching up to him.
“Sometimes, I think of quitting,” he confided. “But when heartbroken families come to me, I cannot say no. Seeing the plight of the people coming to see me — the women, the children — I cannot run away from my responsibility. I try to help them as much as I can, even though I am getting older. I will continue to do this even if the government does not extend any help to me.”
It is time for the government to step up.
A man who has served society for fifty years, who has done the work of entire rescue teams with his bare hands, cannot be left to struggle in silence. The state and central government must recognize Eshing Maiba with a civilian honor, provide financial assistance, and consider giving one of his children a government job. This is not charity; this is the least we can do to honor a life dedicated to humanity.
For over 50 years, this man has done what even the SDRF and NDRF sometimes cannot. He has brought hundreds of missing loved ones back to their families. His story is one of courage, compassion, and relentless service to society.
The question now is simple: Will Manipur and the nation let this hero continue his work unsupported? Or will we finally give Eshing Maiba the recognition and assistance he has earned with every single life he has brought back?