Imphal – A sea of flickering flames illuminated Uripok Canteen Corner last night as residents gathered for a poignant candlelight vigil, offering prayers and condolences for the victims of the horrific Jiribam massacre.
The sombre event, organised jointly by the Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup, brought together a grieving community still grappling with the brutal murder of six innocent lives a year ago.
The vigil, a powerful display of solidarity, paid homage to three women and three children who were allegedly abducted and killed by suspected Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants from Jakuradhor, Jiribam.
This collective act of mourning comes just a day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) made a significant arrest, nabbing one of the primary accused in the case.
The air was heavy with emotion as speakers took the stage, their voices filled with sorrow and a firm resolve for justice. Khwairakpam Tarunkumar, the vice-president of Uripok Apunba Lup, spoke passionately, describing the Jiribam massacre as one of the “rarest and most cold-blooded crimes” in recent memory.
He vehemently demanded that all those involved in the heinous act be served with exemplary punishment. Tarunkumar also recalled the community’s relentless pursuit of justice, mentioning the 79-day relay hunger strike they had previously undertaken to pressure authorities.
Offering a glimmer of hope amidst the grief, Tarunkumar also touched upon the ongoing legal battle. He informed the gathering about a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the case that is currently before the Manipur High Court. The court, he said, has taken a strong stance, directing the NIA to fast-track its investigation and file a charge sheet within a month, with a stern warning that any delays would not be tolerated.
As the candles slowly burned down, the vigil concluded with a renewed pledge from the community: to continue their fight for justice, ensuring that the memory of the victims is honoured not just with grief, but with the unwavering determination to hold every perpetrator accountable.
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