In the latest surge of violence in Manipur’s ongoing ethnic strife, six houses were torched and residents attacked by a group of armed militants in Jiribam district’s Zairon Hmar village, according to police reports on Friday. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, intensifying the already fragile situation in the state.
According to a senior police officer, the militants set fire to multiple homes, forcing several villagers to flee into nearby forests for safety. “Preliminary reports indicate that at least six houses suffered severe damage from the arson, while many residents managed to escape,” he said. Authorities have initiated an investigation to uncover the motive and track down the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, organizations representing the Kuki-Zo community alleged that a woman from the village was killed during the attack. However, district police have not confirmed any fatalities at this time.
Manipur has witnessed persistent ethnic clashes since May last year, resulting in over 200 deaths and displacing thousands. The violence initially erupted on May 3, following a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ in the hill districts, organized by tribal groups protesting the Meitei community’s push for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
The ethnic tensions stem from historical divides between Manipur’s main communities. The Meiteis, constituting approximately 53% of the state’s population, are primarily concentrated in the Imphal Valley. Meanwhile, tribals, including the Kuki and Naga groups, represent around 40% and predominantly reside in the hill districts. As violence and arson continue to unsettle the region, community leaders and government authorities face mounting pressure to restore peace and address the underlying issues fueling the ongoing unrest.