Jiribam, Manipur – At least 11 suspected Kuki militants were killed in a clash with security forces today in Jiribam district. A CRPF soldier was also injured and has been taken to a hospital in Assam for treatment.
The violence started when the militants attacked a police station in Jiribam’s Borobekra area. They came from two sides and may have been trying to target a nearby camp for displaced people. The attackers probably arrived in autorickshaws, according to police. The same police station had been attacked several times before.
After the attack, the militants moved to a nearby village, Jakurador Karong, and set houses on fire while fighting with security forces. CRPF reinforcements were sent to help control the situation.
Following the attack, Kuki community groups have called for a shutdown in their areas, mourning the deaths of what they called “village volunteers.” Security forces found weapons like RPGs (rocket-propelled grenades) and assault rifles after the fight, which is surprising since both sides usually claim to only use smaller, licensed guns.
Tensions in the region have been rising. Just last week, a woman from the Hmar tribe was killed by suspected Meitei militants, who also burned homes. Her husband later claimed she was raped before being killed. The next day, a woman from the Meitei community was shot dead by suspected Kuki militants while working in a field.
In another attack this morning, a farmer was shot and injured in Imphal East. This violence during the paddy harvest season has caused many farmers to be afraid to work in their fields.
The ongoing violence between Kuki and Meitei groups is making the situation in Manipur more tense, and security forces are continuing to monitor the area.
