Manipur Imposes Curfew in Jiribam After Deadly Encounter, Kuki-Zo Organizations Protest
Jiribam, Manipur: The district administration in Manipur’s Jiribam imposed a curfew on Monday in response to escalating tensions following the killing of 11 suspected militants in a violent encounter with security forces. The curfew was enforced after Kuki-Zo organizations called for a complete shutdown in the hill areas to protest the deaths.
Curfew Details:
The curfew order, issued by the District Magistrate (DM), restricted the carrying of firearms, sharp-edged objects, and other potential weapons, except for government agencies, security forces, and essential services. Written permission was required for essential activities, including emergencies, weddings, funerals, or urgent matters within the restricted zone.
Authorities stated that the curfew was imposed due to concerns about potential disturbances to public peace and threats to human life posed by unlawful activities by anti-social elements. The decision to enforce the curfew came as a preventive measure to avoid further violence and ensure safety in the area.
Shutdown Call by Kuki-Zo Council:
In the wake of the killings, the Kuki-Zo Council called for a total shutdown on Tuesday, from 5 AM to 6 PM, to honor the victims and express solidarity. The council, which claimed that the deceased individuals were “village volunteers,” demanded a thorough investigation into the killings and justice for those responsible. The shutdown and protest were a reflection of growing frustration and anger among the Kuki-Zo community over the ongoing violence and the perceived targeting of their people.
The shutdown call was also seen as a means to raise awareness of the broader issue of ethnic tensions between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities that have plagued Manipur for months. While protests in the past have remained localized, the current unrest has drawn widespread support, leading to large-scale demonstrations across the region, including in Imphal, the state capital.
Details of the Encounter:
The deadly encounter took place when a group of militants, dressed in camouflage uniforms and armed with sophisticated weapons, attacked a police station and a nearby CRPF camp in Jiribam district. Two CRPF personnel were injured in the attack, one of whom is reported to be in critical condition. The security forces retaliated, resulting in the deaths of the suspected militants.
The attack on the police and CRPF facilities marked a significant escalation in the ongoing violence in Manipur, underscoring the growing power and reach of militant groups operating in the region. With both sides involved in the conflict often employing heavy weapons and military-style tactics, there are fears that the violence may spread further, destabilizing the state even more.
Clashes in Imphal Valley:
Following the violence in Jiribam, reports of clashes between armed groups from opposing sides surfaced in multiple areas of the Imphal Valley. The ongoing unrest in Manipur, which has seen violence between the Kuki-Zo and Meitei communities since May 2023, has claimed more than 260 lives and displaced over 60,000 people.
The violence in Jiribam comes after a brief lull in the ethnic clashes, which had been triggered by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU)’s protest against a High Court order that recommended the inclusion of Hindu Meiteis in the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category. The tensions have been compounded by the recent burning of a Hmar tribal woman alive on November 7 and the killing of a Meitei woman in Bishnupur district two days later, highlighting the ongoing ethnic discord in the region.
With many communities now seeking a more secure and self-sufficient position in the conflict, there are concerns that the prolonged violence could lead to even more widespread communal clashes in the state, which has already seen its social fabric severely tested.
Calls for Peace and Justice:
The growing violence and unrest in Manipur have drawn national attention, with calls for peace and justice from both local and international communities. The Kuki-Zo Council’s demand for an independent investigation into the killings and the restoration of peace reflects the deepening divisions and the urgent need for dialogue to address the root causes of the conflict.
Both the central government and the Manipur state authorities have been called upon to take concrete steps to initiate a peace process, but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to ease the deep mistrust between the communities. Religious and community leaders from both sides have urged for immediate ceasefire talks, though progress remains slow as each community seeks assurances that their interests and safety will be protected.
Authorities are working to de-escalate tensions and restore order in the affected areas, but the path to peace remains uncertain as both sides continue to accuse each other of violence and human rights violations. The risk of retaliation and further violence remains high, particularly as local militias and armed groups on both sides are becoming increasingly organized and equipped.
International and National Attention:
The violence in Manipur has also caught the attention of human rights organizations and the international community, with calls for accountability and protection of civilian lives. The UN and other international agencies have expressed concern over the use of excessive force by security forces and the rise of armed militias, urging both sides to engage in peaceful dialogue and work towards lasting reconciliation.
As the situation continues to unfold, the central government and local authorities are under increasing pressure to find a lasting solution to the ethnic conflict that has plagued Manipur for months. With the region continuing to descend into chaos, there is an urgent need for the authorities to prioritize peacekeeping efforts and move towards a resolution that addresses the grievances of all affected communities.
