Six Killed in Fresh Violence in Manipur’s Jiribam as Clashes Between Communities Escalate

Six people were killed in renewed violence in Manipur’s Jiribam district early this morning, the police confirmed. The attack, believed to have been carried out by suspected Kuki insurgents, took place in Nungchappi village, located 229 km from the state capital Imphal. Among those killed was a 63-year-old man, Yurembam Kulendra Singha.

This incident follows the killing of an elderly man from the Meitei community in a rocket-propelled bomb attack in Moirang town the previous day, reportedly by Kuki insurgents. Tensions between the Meitei and Kuki communities have escalated, leading to clashes and gunfights. Five others lost their lives in a firefight between armed groups from the Meitei community and Kuki tribes, who refer to themselves as “village defence volunteers,” sources said.

Jiribam’s Superintendent of Police (SP) and a police team were dispatched to the area but were met with gunfire. According to the police, they retaliated and eventually managed to bring the situation under control. Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) K Kabib briefed reporters, stating, “Yesterday, Kuki militants attacked the Bishnupur and Churachandpur border areas. In response, security forces launched combing operations and destroyed two militant bunkers. Later, Kuki militants fired long-range rockets at Moirang, resulting in the death of one senior citizen and injuries to six others.”

Kabib further added that today’s attack on Jiribam saw Kuki militants targeting a village, killing a senior citizen before retreating under fire from village volunteers. When the police arrived, they too were fired upon and returned fire.

Jiribam had recently been a site of peace talks between Meitei and Hmar leaders, with security forces present. The talks aimed to defuse tensions, but Kuki groups based in Churachandpur objected, claiming that the discussions did not represent their interests and were orchestrated by Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh. The Hmar Inpui, a tribal group, also rejected the peace efforts, criticizing those involved as yielding to a “divisive and communal government.”

In response to escalating violence, police have deployed anti-drone systems following recent drone attacks on villages in Imphal West, reportedly carried out by Kuki insurgents. Security forces have also intensified surveillance, with army helicopters monitoring the region and combing operations underway in suspected militant areas. The authorities are also closely monitoring social media for content that could incite violence.

On Friday evening, tensions flared in Imphal as crowds attempted to loot weapons from the 2nd and 7th Manipur Rifles camps. Security forces responded with blank rounds and tear gas, preventing the looting. Two police officers, identified as Inspector Kh Henery and Constable Issac Gangmei, were injured in the confrontation and are currently hospitalized.

Security operations continue across both the hills and valley regions as authorities work to restore calm amid the ongoing unrest in Manipur.