A fresh wave of violence erupted in Jiribam, Manipur on Thursday evening after suspected militants killed a 59-year-old man named Soibam Saratkumar Singh. The unrest has led to significant destruction and a strong response from authorities.Â
On Saturday, suspected militants set fire to two police outposts, a forest office, and at least 70 houses. The Manipur government reacted swiftly by suspending the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Jiribam district, A Ghanashyam Sharma, and transferring him to the Manipur Police Training College. M Pradip Singh has been appointed as the new Senior Superintendent of Police for Jiribam district.
To bolster security, more than 70 state police commandos were airlifted from Imphal to Jiribam. Additionally, 239 Meitei people, predominantly women and children, were evacuated from peripheral areas to a relief camp set up at a multi-sports complex in Jiribam.
The violence saw extensive damage, with suspected militants torching over 70 houses in Lamtai Khunou, Dibong Khunou, Nunkhal, and Begra villages. Residents fled their homes and sought refuge in relief camps. This incident follows the killing of Soibam Saratkumar Singh, who went missing on June 6 and was later found dead with wounds inflicted by a sharp object.
In response to the escalating violence, prohibitory orders were imposed, and locals protested in front of the Jiribam Police Station, demanding the return of their licensed firearms that had been confiscated during the elections.
Jiribam, which houses a diverse population including Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, had previously remained unaffected by the ethnic strife that has plagued Manipur since May last year. The ongoing conflict between Imphal valley-based Meiteis and hills-based Kukis has resulted in over 200 deaths and left thousands homeless. Newly elected Congress MP from Inner Manipur, Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, has urged the state government to ensure the safety and protection of Jiribam residents, particularly those in peripheral areas.
