The ethnic conflict between Meitei and Kuki communities in Manipur escalated again. On November 7, violence in Jiribam district, 220 km from Imphal, left at least 19 dead. Among them were six members of a Meitei family and ten Kuki men. The police labeled the Kuki men as “militants,” but the Kuki community insists they were “village volunteers.”
Peace in Jiribam Shattered
Jiribam had been largely peaceful until June 2023. Trouble began when a Kuki teenager’s body was found in a river. Kuki groups accused Meitei militants of the murder. Shortly after, a Meitei man was killed, allegedly by Kuki militants.
Since then, accusations and rumors have spread rapidly on social media. Many claims remain unverifiable, adding to confusion and mistrust.
November 7: A Night of Terror
The violence escalated on November 7 in Zairawn village. A school teacher from the Hmar tribe faced a brutal attack. Suspected Meitei militants allegedly raped, shot, and burned her. They also set her home and other village structures on fire.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers came armed with rifles and melee weapons. The teacher’s autopsy revealed her body was 99% burned. Investigators could not confirm sexual assault due to the extent of the injuries. However, her husband reported rape in the FIR.
The Indigenous Tribal Leaders’ Forum (ITLF) blamed the Meitei group Arambai Tenggol (AT) for the attack. AT, in turn, claims it arms itself to protect Meitei villages near Kuki-dominated areas.
Survivors Recall Horrific Scenes
Villagers shared harrowing accounts of the attack. A college student, related to the teacher, said his family escaped death by seconds. They fled barefoot into the forest as bullets rained down.
Many villagers had recently returned from Assam, reassured by security forces stationed nearby. The teacher and her family stayed in their home, believing the attackers wouldn’t harm them. Tragically, they were wrong.
When the attackers entered the house, the teacher’s husband carried her to their garden after she was shot. He likely returned to protect their children. Witnesses believe the couple made a heartbreaking decision to stay. Moments later, their house was set on fire.
Retaliation Fuels More Violence
The killings in Zairawn triggered further bloodshed. On November 8, a Meitei woman was shot dead while working in a paddy field. Meitei groups blamed Kuki militants, but Kuki leaders denied involvement.
Days later, security forces killed ten suspected Kuki militants in Borobekra. The same day, six Meitei family members were taken hostage by suspected Kuki militants. Two were killed immediately, while others were found dead in a river later.
Both sides have made allegations of arson and violence. Kuki groups claimed Meitei militants burned at least five churches in Jiribam.
Families Left in Grief
The school teacher left behind her husband and three children, aged three, seven, and nine. A photo of the family at her grave reflects the deep pain they bear. Her son stood at the gravestone, hands pressed to it, while her daughters and husband stood quietly nearby.
The Road Ahead
The violence in Jiribam is part of a long cycle of revenge and tragedy. Despite peace efforts, mistrust and anger persist. Without resolution, the shadow of conflict looms over Manipur’s future.
