Ethnic tension has escalated in Manipur’s Jiribam district following the discovery of the body of a 59-year-old man, suspected to have been killed by militants, the police reported on June 6.
Soibam Saratkumar Singh went missing while returning from his farm, according to police statements. The body, found later, bore wounds inflicted by a sharp object, indicating foul play.
https://twitter.com/meiteiheritage/status/1798752889785208882
In response to the killing, enraged locals set an abandoned structure ablaze, as confirmed by police sources. Furthermore, they marched to the Jiribam police station, chanting slogans and demanding the return of their licensed firearms, which had been confiscated before the Lok Sabha elections and were promised to be returned post-polls.
Here is the video of the protest. pic.twitter.com/gxkks7Feic
— Meitei Heritage Society (@meiteiheritage) June 6, 2024
Jiribam, with its diverse ethnic composition including Meiteis, Muslims, Nagas, Kukis, and non-Manipuris, had previously remained relatively untouched by the ethnic tensions that have plagued other parts of Manipur since May last year.
In order to prevent the situation from escalting, the administration has imposed section 144 in Jiribam district.
The district administration is trying to rake all possible steps to restore peace and have made an appeal to the people not to fall prey to any fake information.
The ethnic conflict between the valley-dominant Meitei community and the hills-dominant Kukis has resulted in over 220 deaths and displaced thousands, exacerbating communal tensions and destabilizing the region.
The recent killing of Soibam Saratkumar Singh has reignited fears and raised concerns about the potential escalation of violence in the already fragile region. Police investigations into the incident are ongoing as authorities strive to restore peace and prevent further loss of life in Jiribam district.
Local authorities have urged calm and restraint among residents while assuring swift action to apprehend those responsible for the heinous crime and restore law and order in the area.
Lately the Meitei community had urged Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking concrete action against the Kukis as they were targetting the Meiteis.
