Naguri was popular in Joporajan and its adjoining areas as a “doctor” who gave herbal medicines to the villagers free of cost. “After his death, we have nobody to look after us as Sumanta is too young. But his dedication to the community gives us a different type of satisfaction, which we cannot express in words. He wanted to work for the deprived Adivasis and now we can say that he died for the community and is a martyr,” Phulmoni said.

More than 10,000 people paid tributes to Naguri. His body was cremated at noon in the presence of villagers and local administration officials.

Karbi Anglong deputy commissioner M. Angamuthu and superintendent of police Anurag Tankha were present during the cremation. They handed over Rs 20,000 to the family as special assistance from the local administration.

A high-level team, led by the deputy commissioner, visited Bokajan civil hospital this morning.

“We have given Rs 5,000 to every person undergoing treatment. Two villagers, having major head injuries, were shifted to a Dimapur-based private nursing home today. Everybody will be treated free of cost and we will foot the bill of the nursing home,” Angamuthu said.