Five killed in new violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district.
Imphal: Five individuals were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Saturday morning, according to police reports. The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions in the region, which has been plagued by unrest and clashes in recent months. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the violence and have deployed additional security forces to the area to restore order and prevent further incidents. The situation remains tense, and officials are working to address the root causes of the conflict while ensuring the safety of residents. The identities of the victims and the exact motives behind the violence are still under investigation.
Imphal: On Saturday morning, five people were killed in a fresh outbreak of violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district. According to police reports, the incident began with the shooting death of one person who was targeted while asleep in his isolated home, located approximately 5 kilometers from the district headquarters. Militants reportedly entered the house of this individual, who lived alone, and shot him while he was asleep.
Following this initial attack, a heavy exchange of gunfire erupted between armed men from two warring communities. This subsequent violence took place in the hills around 7 kilometers from the district headquarters. The clash resulted in the deaths of four armed individuals, including three militants associated with the hills-based factions. The identities of the victims and the specific details surrounding the confrontation are still under investigation.
The recent violence in Jiribam comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region. Earlier this week, fresh incidents of arson were reported in the district. Suspected “village volunteers” were alleged to have burned down an abandoned three-room house belonging to a retired police officer in Jakuradhor, Borobekra police station. The Indigenous Tribes Advocacy Committee (Pherzawl and Jiribam) has denied any involvement in these arson attacks.
The district had previously witnessed heightened tensions despite efforts to restore peace. On August 1, representatives from the Meitei and Hmar communities had reached an agreement aimed at curbing violence and preventing further incidents of arson and firing. This meeting, held at a CRPF facility in Assam’s Cachar, was moderated by the Jiribam district administration with the presence of Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel. Representatives from the Hmar, Meitei, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities of Jiribam were also in attendance. Despite this agreement, several Hmar tribal bodies based outside Jiribam district have criticized the accord, claiming they were not consulted or informed about the agreement.
The violence in Jiribam adds to the broader context of ethnic conflict in the region, which has seen over 200 deaths and thousands rendered homeless since May of last year. The conflict between the Imphal Valley-based Meitei community and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjoining hills has resulted in widespread displacement and destruction. Although Jiribam had previously been relatively untouched by this violence, it erupted into turmoil following the killing of a 59-year-old man from one community by militants of another community in June this year. This incident triggered a wave of arson and violence, displacing thousands of residents and forcing them into relief camps.
Additionally, in mid-July, a CRPF jawan was killed in an ambush by militants during a routine patrol, further escalating the situation. The ongoing conflict has severely impacted the lives of many in the region, with both sides engaging in acts of violence and retaliation.
The recent events underscore the fragile and volatile situation in Jiribam and surrounding areas. The continued violence despite peace agreements highlights the deep-rooted tensions and the challenges faced by authorities in restoring stability and security to the affected communities. Further details and developments are awaited as the situation continues to unfold.