In the early hours of today, suspected insurgents launched a series of attacks on several villages in Manipur's Jiribam district, resulting in significant property damage and displacement of residents.
The assailants, arriving in three to four boats via the Barak river, began their onslaught around 12:30 am, targeting the Chotobekra outpost initially.
According to local police sources, the insurgents subsequently attacked additional police outposts in Lamtai Khunou and Modhupur. The violence led to more than 70 homes being set ablaze in the villages of Lamtai Khunou, Dibong Khunou, Nunkhal, and Begra.
An officer stationed at a police outpost in Borobekra, located a few kilometers from Chotobekra, reported that the attack on his post commenced at around 2:30 am. He mentioned that the insurgents used the cover of darkness to carry out their operations, arriving in boats to assault the outposts.
Visual evidence confirmed by police sources shows the insurgents setting homes on fire and celebrating their actions on camera. This incident follows a recent surge in ethnic tensions in the area.
The previous day, 250 members of the Meitei community were evacuated from the outskirts of Jiribam town by Assam Rifles. This evacuation was prompted by safety concerns after the alleged killing of a 59-year-old man by Kuki insurgents. Although no new incidents were reported on Friday, the residents' fears necessitated their relocation. Authorities assured that the families could return once the situation stabilizes and adequate security forces are deployed.
Jiribam district, situated 220 km from Manipur's capital Imphal and bordering Assam, is ethnically diverse with a mix of Kuki and Meitei populations. The district had remained relatively calm amidst ongoing ethnic conflicts in Manipur until this recent escalation.
In response to the attacks, Manipur Police commandos are being dispatched to Jiribam to counter the insurgent threat and restore order. The local administration has indicated that a shortage of security personnel, exacerbated by many being assigned to election duties, contributed to the area's vulnerability.