Manipur is once again engulfed in turmoil. The violence that erupted on May 3 last year continues to plague the state. Over the past four days, eight separate incidents of violence have been reported. Yesterday, the CRAF firing resulted in the deaths of 11 suspected Kuki militants. Two jawans also sustained injuries during the encounter.
Following the deaths of the suspected militants, the Kuki-Jo Council has called for a 12-hour shutdown across Manipur today. The shutdown will last from 5 am to 6 pm in the hilly areas of the state. Additionally, authorities have imposed a curfew in Jiribam district for security reasons.
The Kuki-Jo Council condemned the incident, stating, “We have lost 11 volunteers from our Kuki-Jo village at the hands of the SIRP in this unfortunate incident at Jiribam. They were brutally shot dead. To honour the victims and express our collective grief and solidarity, the Kuki-Jo Council has announced a complete shutdown from 5 am to 6 pm today.”
The council further expressed shock, saying, “The killing of our precious village volunteers is a loss not only to their families but to the entire Kuki-Jo community. We strongly condemn this violence and demand an immediate and thorough investigation to punish the culprits.”
Meanwhile, the administration has imposed a curfew in Jiribam district for security reasons following the incident. A relief camp for internally displaced persons near the Borabekara Police Station, which terrorists had attacked, is under suspicion of being a target. Authorities fear that the attackers may have also attempted to target the camp. Officials reported that five individuals from the camp went missing after the attack.
It remains unclear whether the terrorists abducted these individuals or whether they were hiding in fear after the attack. Authorities are actively searching for them. Officials have also warned of potential disruptions to peace and law and order in the region due to the illegal activities of anti-social elements, posing a serious threat to human life and property. As a result, officials have imposed a curfew under Section 163 of the BNSS until further notice.