Achi news desk-
Guwahati: Serious tension erupted in Jiribam district of Manipur, bordering Assam, following violent clashes that resulted in the burning of over 70 houses. Additional security forces, including a Manipur police commando, were deployed to the area to restore order.
The unrest began after the killing of 59-year-old Suivam Sarathkumar Singh on Thursday night, according to media reports. Singh, who was found with multiple injuries and cut marks, was allegedly attacked by suspected armed assailants.
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His death intensified the already volatile situation, leading to widespread protests and violence. In response to the escalation in violence, the authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Jiribam and neighboring Tamanlung district.
The situation was aggravated by the arson attacks on houses in the villages of Lamtai Khono, Dibong Khono, Nunkal and Bara, allegedly carried out by armed assailants. These incidents forced over 200 people, mainly from the Mayiti community, to seek refuge in a recently established aid camp.
The local population reacted strongly after discovering Singh’s body. The community’s anger led to the burning of several abandoned buildings and massive demonstrations demanding the return of their licensed firearms, which had been deposited with the authorities ahead of the recent Lok Sabha elections.
To control the crowds, the police had to resort to lathi charges. In order to manage the crisis effectively, a joint control room was established in Jiribam.
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This room, manned by officials from Assam Police, Central Reserve Police and Manipur Police, is meant to enable quick and effective communication to restore normalcy. In addition, there was a significant deployment of state police and central forces in both Jeribam and Temanlung to curb further violence.
The ongoing ethnic conflict between the Miteis and Kuki-Zumi communities, which began on May 3, 2023, has already resulted in more than 220 deaths and displaced more than 70,000 people from their homes and villages. The prolonged violence also led to the destruction of thousands of homes and many government and private properties, including religious buildings.
