Tensions in Manipur’s Jiribam district flared anew on Friday night after an abandoned house was set on fire and several rounds of gunfire were reported. The violence occurred just a day after an agreement aimed at restoring normalcy between the Meitei and Hmar communities.
Officials reported that armed men targeted an isolated settlement in Lalpani village, primarily consisting of abandoned Meitei houses. The arsonists, who have not yet been identified, exploited security lapses to carry out the attack. Additionally, the armed men fired multiple shells and gunshots at the village.
Following the incident, security forces were swiftly deployed to the area to stabilize the situation.
The fresh outbreak of violence comes despite a recent agreement between the Meitei and Hmar communities. On Thursday, representatives from both groups, along with members of the Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities, met at a CRPF facility in Cachar, Assam. The meeting was facilitated by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles, and CRPF personnel.
The agreement reached during the meeting, which was aimed at restoring peace, called for both sides to work towards normalcy and to prevent further incidents of arson and gunfire. The statement issued after the meeting emphasized cooperation with security forces and the importance of controlled and coordinated movement in the region. A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for August 15.
The violence in Manipur has resulted in over 200 deaths and left thousands homeless since May of last year. While Jiribam, known for its ethnic diversity, had largely remained unaffected by the violence seen in Imphal Valley and the surrounding hills, it became a hotspot for unrest after a farmer’s mutilated body was discovered in June. This discovery triggered a series of violent incidents, including arson and clashes, which forced many residents to flee to relief camps. Additionally, a CRPF jawan was killed in a militant ambush in mid-July.
The situation remains tense as efforts continue to address and resolve the ongoing ethnic conflict in the region.
