Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has broken his silence on the recent discovery of six bodies, including three women and three children, in the Jiribam district. The victims, believed to have been killed by suspected Kuki militants, were found in a river last week. Singh has promised swift action to ensure the perpetrators face justice.
Condemning a Heinous Crime Against Humanity
Addressing the tragedy, Singh expressed deep sorrow and anger over the killings, describing them as an affront to humanity. “I am deeply saddened and outraged by the brutal murders of three innocent children and three women, who were reportedly taken hostage by Kuki militants in Jiribam,” Singh said in a video statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
He strongly denounced the act, stating, “Such barbarity has no place in a civilized world. Rest assured, the ongoing search for these criminals will not stop until they are held accountable for their inhumane actions.”
Details of the Attack and Victims’ Disappearance
The six victims had been missing since November 11, following a clash between militants and security forces near a camp housing displaced individuals in Jiribam. This encounter resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents. Tragically, days later, the bodies of the missing women and children were recovered from a nearby river, sending shockwaves across the state.
CRPF’s Role in Thwarting Further Violence
Singh commended the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) for their decisive action in responding to the militant attack. He revealed that around 40 to 50 armed militants targeted both the displaced individuals in a relief camp at Borobekra and a police station in Jiribam.
“Their intention was to instil terror and cause destruction,” Singh explained. “However, the CRPF’s timely and efficient response thwarted their plans, neutralizing 10 terrorists on the spot and protecting hundreds of innocent lives in the relief camps.”
Renewed Ethnic Tensions and AFSPA Reimposition
Manipur continues to reel from ethnic violence that has persisted for nearly 18 months, dividing the state into two distinct ethnic zones: the Meitei-majority Imphal valley and the Kuki-dominated hill regions. Despite security forces maintaining buffer zones between the two regions, tensions have shown no signs of easing.
In response to the escalating unrest, the central government recently reinstated the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in six districts where it had previously been lifted. This decision, intended to strengthen security efforts, has sparked fresh protests in the Imphal valley, further intensifying the already volatile situation.
Singh’s Assurance of Justice
As Manipur grapples with the deepening crisis, Singh reassured the public of his government’s commitment to justice. “We will not allow such acts of terror to go unpunished,” he vowed. “Efforts are underway to ensure those responsible for this horrific crime face the consequences of their actions.”
The chief minister’s strong stance reflects the state’s determination to address the ongoing ethnic conflict and restore peace to the region. However, with tensions running high and no immediate resolution in sight, Manipur remains caught in a cycle of violence and division.
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