Manipur violence: Jiribam tense, prohibitory orders enforced
On Monday evening, officials reported violent clashes erupting across various villages in the Imphal West and Imphal East districts of Manipur, reflecting the tense atmosphere prevailing in the region. According to sources, skirmishes broke out unexpectedly, leading to significant unrest and heightening concerns among local authorities and residents alike. In response to these incidents, security measures were promptly tightened across both districts, with additional forces deployed to control the escalating situation. The authorities have appealed to the public to remain calm and follow the guidelines issued for their safety, while continuous efforts are underway to restore peace in affected areas.
In Manipur’s Jiribam district, tension remains palpable following the killing of eleven suspected militants in a gunfight with security forces. The situation on Tuesday morning was described as calm yet tense, with police officers stationed at strategic locations to prevent further escalation. Prohibitory orders were imposed across the district to maintain order and prevent any untoward incidents, according to local authorities. Officials also launched an operation to trace individuals who went missing in the aftermath of the violence, further heightening the sense of caution prevailing in the region.
The recent events triggered significant unrest, especially among communities in the Kuki-Zo majority areas in the hills. on Tuesday as a protest against the killing of suspected insurgents. The Kuki-Zo Council, representing community interests, called for this shutdown, expressing what they termed as “collective grief and solidarity” for those killed during the encounter. The shutdown is expected to last until 6 p.m., demonstrating the depth of frustration and sorrow within the community over the incident.
On Monday, a fierce exchange of fire took place between suspected insurgents and security forces. Authorities reported that militants dressed in camouflage uniforms launched an unexpected assault on a police station and an adjacent Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) camp in Jiribam district. These assailants, armed with sophisticated weapons, reportedly fired indiscriminately at the police station, escalating the threat level and prompting security forces to retaliate.
The encounter was intense, with heavy gunfire exchanged at Borobekra. During the clash, two CRPF personnel sustained injuries; one of them was critically wounded, according to officials. The confrontation lasted approximately 40 to 45 minutes, during which the security forces managed to gain control, neutralizing eleven suspected militants in the process. The aftermath of the encounter left the area on edge, and patrols were set up to maintain order amid simmering tensions.
Further complicating the situation, reports emerged of fresh violence breaking out in the Imphal Valley, where armed groups representing opposing factions engaged in exchanges of fire. This escalation in Imphal adds to the concerns of local law enforcement, who are stretched thin across multiple areas. Reinforcement teams, including units from the Assam Rifles, CRPF, and local police, were deployed to manage these clashes and prevent further escalation.
In Jiribam district, the violence on Monday led to an attack on infrastructure, with militants reportedly setting fire to several shops and homes in and around Jakurador Karong market. The police station and CRPF camp at Borobekra also suffered damage during the assault. The deliberate targeting of both private property and security infrastructure reflects the brazenness of the insurgents, whose actions have heightened security concerns across the district.
The district administration’s decision to implement prohibitory orders was a response to both the immediate threat posed by the recent violence and the need to maintain order in the face of mounting tensions. The search for missing persons continues, as officials work to identify individuals unaccounted for since the outbreak of hostilities. These operations are part of broader efforts by security forces to stabilize the region and flush out remaining insurgent elements from the area.
The aftermath of Monday’s violence underscores the volatility in Manipur, as longstanding ethnic and political tensions continue to play out in frequent skirmishes and targeted attacks. Community leaders, law enforcement, and government officials are faced with the ongoing challenge of balancing security with the need to address underlying grievances among the affected populations. As the situation develops, efforts are focused on preventing further bloodshed and restoring a semblance of normalcy to the beleaguered communities in both the Imphal Valley and surrounding hill areas.
In the meantime, the shutdown observed in the Kuki-Zo areas reflects the profound impact of Monday’s events on the local population. The sense of solidarity and collective mourning expressed by the community during the shutdown signals a call for both justice and recognition of the grievances underlying the violence. For now, Manipur remains in a state of heightened alert, with security forces maintaining a strong presence in key locations to deter any potential resurgence of hostilities. The coming days will be critical in determining the stability of the region and the effectiveness of ongoing efforts to prevent further violence.