Violence Erupts Again in Manipur: 5 Killed in Fresh Clashes

Manipur has once again been rocked by violence, with five people killed in a new outbreak of conflict in the region. The latest incident occurred in Jiribam, where armed groups engaged in gunfire, resulting in multiple fatalities.

According to police reports, the violence erupted on the morning of September 7. The first victim, an individual asleep in his home, was shot dead by militants. Following this, a clash between armed members of opposing groups in the hills, about seven kilometers away from the initial shooting, resulted in the deaths of four more people, including three militants.

Earlier this week, the region witnessed another act of violence when a retired police officer's vacant house in Zakuradhor, near the Borobekra police station, was set on fire. The Indigenous Tribal Advocacy Committee, representing local tribes, has denied any involvement in the arson.

Despite efforts to restore peace, including a ceasefire agreement reached on August 1 under the supervision of the CRPF in Cachar, violence has continued. The agreement, which aimed to end arson and gunfire, involved representatives from different communities, including the Hmar, Meitei, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo groups, as well as Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel. However, some Hmar tribal bodies criticized the agreement, claiming they were not informed about it.

Since May of the previous year, ethnic violence between Meitei and Kuki groups in the Imphal Valley and surrounding hill areas has claimed over 200 lives and displaced thousands of residents.