Escalating Violence in Jiribam Raises Concerns Over Security and Law Enforcement

Lakhipuronline Digital Desk: Jiribam, September 8, 2024 – Tensions in Jiribam have escalated following a tragic incident on September 7, where an innocent villager and a village volunteer were brutally attacked and killed by a group identified as Kuki-Narco-Terrorists in Ningthem Khunou (Nungchappi). In a worrying continuation of violence, these groups launched further assaults early this morning on Mongbung Meitei village, unleashing multiple rounds of gunfire and high-powered explosives. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported from this latest attack.

The ongoing violence has instilled fear within the Meitei community, prompting widespread condemnation of the attackers' actions. Local representatives from Jiri Apunba Lup (JAL) have expressed their outrage, questioning the effectiveness of security forces who have been stationed in the area. “These incidents have repeatedly occurred under the watch of security personnel, raising serious concerns about their ability to maintain law and order,” a spokesperson stated.

The organization criticized both central and state governments for their inaction, emphasizing that the failure to label these groups as terrorists undermines national security. The statement highlighted the alarming trend of rising lawlessness in the region, prompting citizens to demand immediate intervention to restore peace.

In addition, JAL addressed misinformation being circulated by the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (TTL), which claimed that “Meitei Militants launched a multi-pronged attack on the Kuki-Zo areas.” This assertion has been refuted as a false narrative, with JAL urging the public not to fall for such deceptive claims. They provided evidence of the violence, including footage of the attacks and the recent murder of a villager in his home.

As the situation intensifies, the community calls for urgent action from authorities to ensure safety and security for all residents, emphasizing the need for decisive measures to prevent further loss of innocent lives and restore normalcy in Jiribam.