Northeast Desk, 8th June: Over 200 individuals from the Meitei community have been evacuated from their villages in Manipur’s Jiribam district following a surge of violence triggered by the alleged killing of a man by militants. The displaced individuals have been relocated to a newly established relief camp at the Jiri Sports Complex after their houses in villages including Lamtai Khunou, Dibong Khunou, Nunkhal, and Begra were set ablaze by suspected militants.
Most of the displaced individuals were residing in villages situated more than 30 km from Jiribam town, prompting authorities to deploy additional security personnel to the area.
In response to the escalating tension, Manipur police have instructed state police commando personnel from Imphal Valley to report to duty in Jiribam immediately.
The unrest unfolded on Thursday evening following the alleged murder of a 59-year-old man, Soibam Saratkumar Singh, reportedly by militants from another community. Singh, who went missing after visiting his farm in the morning, was later discovered dead with wounds inflicted by a sharp object.
In retaliation, angered locals set fire to an abandoned structure, while others protested in front of the Jiribam police station, demanding the return of licensed firearms confiscated during elections.
Jiribam, known for its diverse ethnic makeup comprising Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, had previously been untouched by the ethnic conflict plaguing Manipur since May last year. The ongoing strife between Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kukis has resulted in numerous casualties and displaced thousands.
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