Indefinite Curfew Imposed After Fatal Clash in Manipur‘s Jiribam District
NEW DELHI: In a bid to restore order amid escalating violence, authorities in Manipur have imposed an indefinite curfew across Jiribam district, effective immediately. This decision follows a deadly encounter between suspected militants and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel on Monday afternoon, which left eleven militants dead and two CRPF officers injured.
Clashes Erupt in Jiribam
The violent confrontation erupted when armed assailants launched an assault on the Borobekra police station around 2:30 PM, subsequently advancing toward the Jakurador Karong area, causing panic among the local population. The militants set fire to several shops and homes and targeted a nearby CRPF camp. Security forces engaged in the firefight for approximately 40 to 45 minutes before regaining control. According to reports, one CRPF personnel is currently in critical condition and is receiving urgent medical care at Silchar Medical College in Assam.
In an official statement shared on the platform X, the Manipur Police confirmed the severity of the attack, stating, “The CRPF Post located at Jakuradhor and Borobekra Police Station were attacked by armed militants. The security forces retaliated strongly.” Following the gunfight, ten militant bodies along with various weapons, including AK-47 rifles, Self-Loading Rifles (SLRs), and a Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG), were recovered from the scene.
Civilian Safety Concerns
There are additional concerns regarding civilian safety as authorities investigate the whereabouts of five locals who remain unaccounted for. It remains uncertain whether they were abducted or have gone into hiding amid the chaos. Their bodies have been taken to the Borobekra police station for identification and further investigation.
Ongoing Tensions in Manipur
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the growing unrest in Manipur, which has seen increased violence in recent months. Jiribam, in particular, has been a flashpoint since conflicts erupted in June 2023, leading to heightened tensions within the community. Last week’s murder of a 31-year-old woman in Zairon Hmar village further exacerbated the situation, leaving residents on edge.
Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving peace in the region. “We are working in concert with security forces and local communities to address these challenging times,” he stated. Singh noted a reduction in violence since the ethnic strife began after protests on May 3, 2023, led by the All Tribal Students Union (ATSU), which sought Scheduled Tribe status for the Meitei community.
Positive Steps Toward Resolution
In light of the violence, key community leaders, including those from the Kuki, Meitei, and Naga groups, convened for discussions in New Delhi, facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs. This dialogue marks a significant step towards uniting various factions and fostering a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Local MLAs and ministers collectively emphasized the importance of unity and peace as they work towards stabilizing the region.
Call for Community Support
As Manipur grapples with this crisis, the support and cooperation of local communities will be vital. The journey toward stability will require the collective effort of all stakeholders involved. For those interested in contributing or staying informed, we invite you to share your thoughts and engage in discussions about potential solutions and ways to foster peace in Manipur.
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