In a brazen assault, suspected insurgents arrived in multiple boats along the Barak river in Manipur’s Jiribam district, launching a series of attacks on police outposts and residential areas, police sources told NDTV.
The onslaught commenced at 12:30 am in Chotobekra, a locality nestled on the banks of the river, disclosed a police official stationed at the scene. “Chotobekra outpost was burned down at 12:30 am,” the official stated, underscoring the intensity of the assault. Subsequently, the assailants targeted police outposts (OPs) in Lamtai Khunou and Modhupur.
After the MASS EXODUS of #Meiteis by Security forces from Lamtai Khunou in #Jiribam, Kukis have started burning the homes of the Meiteis.
It is really very distressing to just see this! How will the evacuated Meiteis be feeling right now??
They have just lost their… pic.twitter.com/0RtcaDfcSL
— bini (@YamnaPendrey) June 8, 2024
Where is Jiribam district
Situated approximately 220 km from the state capital Imphal, Jiribam shares its border with Assam, serving as a pivotal junction where National Highway-37 traverses through the district. The surrounding hills are dotted with numerous Kuki villages, forming a backdrop to the unfolding chaos.
Another officer, stationed at a police outpost in Borobekra within Jiribam subdivision, recounted the harrowing moments when the insurgents descended upon them. “They came in boats, and attacked the OPs in the dark,” the officer revealed, opting to remain anonymous given the sensitive nature of the situation.
According to police sources, the insurgents extended their rampage to several villages along the river, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Visual evidence corroborates the reports, capturing the militants setting homes ablaze and jubilantly celebrating their deeds.
Prohibitory orders in Jiribam district
The attack came hours after the administration of Jiribam district, situated along the border with Assam’s Cachar district, implemented a prohibitory order from Thursday night to forestall any further escalation of violence.
Tensions flared in the district following the tragic demise of 59-year-old Soibam Saratkumar Singh, whose lifeless body, bearing wounds inflicted by a sharp object, was discovered.
Also Read: 2 CRPF personnel killed in fresh attack by Kuki militants in Manipur
Singh had ventured to his farm on Thursday morning, only to meet an untimely demise. In response, aggrieved locals took matters into their own hands, setting ablaze several residences belonging to a different community. Additionally, they converged on the local police station, demanding the return of their licensed firearms, which had been deposited during the electoral process.
Ethnic clashes
The upheaval in Jiribam comes hot on the heels of escalating ethnic tensions, prompting the Assam Rifles to undertake a massive evacuation effort. On Friday, 250 members of the Meitei community residing on the outskirts of Jiribam town were whisked away to safety following the alleged killing of a 59-year-old man by Kuki insurgents.
Leishabithol, the evacuation site, lies proximate to Kuki-dominated hills, whereas interior Jiribam boasts a significant Meitei presence. Though the immediate vicinity remained calm, apprehensions regarding safety prompted the evacuation, as per local administrative officials.
Authorities reassured the displaced families that they could return once the situation stabilizes and adequate security reinforcements are deployed. However, the shortage of security personnel, exacerbated by the deployment for election duties, poses a logistical challenge.
To stem the insurgency’s tide, Manipur Police commandos are slated to be deployed to Jiribam, signaling a concerted effort to quell the unrest. Despite its diverse ethnic composition, Jiribam district had hitherto managed to evade the ethnic strife gripping Manipur, marking a stark departure from its erstwhile tranquility.
