Violent incidents have been occurring in Manipur over the past several months, creating a persistent atmosphere of tension. Many individuals have tragically lost their lives in these acts of violence, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order. Despite efforts to stabilize the situation, a recent incident unfolded in Manipur's Jiribam district where suspected militants set fire to a police post and several homes.
The attackers, reportedly arriving by boat, targeted the Jiri police post in broad daylight and set ablaze multiple residences in the district's outskirts under the cover of darkness. The local administration in Jiribam has been mobilized following the incident, providing assistance and relocating over 200 affected individuals to designated shelters.
Additional attacks have been reported in Lamata Khuno, Modhupur, situated approximately 220 km from the state capital, Imphal. In response, a commando unit of the Manipur Police was swiftly dispatched from Imphal to Jiribam. Congressman Bimol Akoijam of Angom, newly elected to serve as an MP, has urged the state government to safeguard the residents of Jiribam district in light of the escalating violence. Akoijam conveyed during a press briefing that district officials have assured the deployment of police forces to ensure the safety of the local population.
Moreover, more than 200 individuals from Jiribam district have been evacuated from their villages and are seeking refuge in a sports complex located in Jiri town. According to law enforcement authorities, the evacuated individuals hail from a village situated 30 kilometers away from Jiribam town.
State police units have been activated to quell the unrest. Notably, tensions escalated in Jiribam district following the alleged killing of a 59-year-old individual from one community by members of another community on June 6. This incident is believed to be a key factor driving the recent wave of violence.