Imphal: The Chief Minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh, has strongly condemned the killing of a CRPF jawan in Jiribam district, which is believed to have been the result of an attack by suspected Kuki terrorists. The jawan died as a result of the incident, while multiple other people were injured including many Meitei civilians. Posting a statement on the microblogging platform X, CM Singh said, “I strongly condemn the killing of a CRPF jawan in an attack carried out by an armed group suspected to be Kuki militants in Jiribam district today.”
He expressed his deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and promised that the jawan’s sacrifice made in the line of duty will never be forgotten. Additionally, the Chief Minister sent prayers for the quick recovery of those hurt in the attack. In Jiribam district, tensions surged once more following a new incident that left one CRPF officer killed. Meitei organisations claim that during the incident, which happened during an increase in ethnic tensions, Kuki militants opened fire on Meitei communities, setting houses on fire and causing generalised fear.
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Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL), one of the Meitei organisations, has expressed disapproval of security services’ alleged persistent passivity against militant operations directed towards Meitei villagers. They charge that security personnel have failed to stop the carnage, giving terrorist organisations carte blanche to carry out more attacks without interference. However, Kuki groups have asserted that Meitei police commandos attacked Kuki Village Volunteers (KVV) and then started the violence, intensifying reprisals.
Violence has been raging in Manipur since May 3rd, following skirmishes that were sparked by a tribal solidarity march, resulting in over 220 deaths and nearly 60000 internally displaced.
