Just as the first rays of sunlight touched the horizon in Manipur’s Jiribam district, the quiet morning was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire. This latest outbreak of violence comes as a bitter reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region, even as efforts for peace were being made in the nation’s capital.
Around 5:30 AM, the sleepy town of Borobekera, some 30 kilometers from Jiribam’s center, found itself thrust into chaos. Suspected militants, believed to be from the Kuki community, launched an attack on the local police station. The assault wasn’t just a simple shootout – it involved sophisticated firearms and even bombs, painting a grim picture of the resources at the attackers’ disposal.
In the wake of the attack, three homes belonging to members of the Meitei community were set ablaze, their structures further damaged by explosive devices. The gunfight persisted for nearly an hour and a half, with security forces working tirelessly to bring the situation under control.
Rajiv Singh, the state’s top police official, addressed the media later that day. “We’re dealing with sporadic outbreaks of violence, including this incident in Jiribam,” he explained, his voice tinged with concern. “Our forces have managed to stabilize the situation, but we’re remaining vigilant.”Singh emphasized the need for dialogue between the communities, seeing it as the best path forward out of the current crisis. “I urge all communities to come to the table with constructive ideas,” he pleaded. “Peaceful dialogue is our only real solution.”
The police chief also took a moment to defend his forces against accusations of heavy-handedness. “We’re here to protect civilians,” he insisted. “If we were using excessive force, the situation could be much worse.”This recent flare-up serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of peace in Manipur. It comes just days after lawmakers from various communities – Meitei, Kuki-Zo-Hmar, and Naga – had initiated talks in Delhi, aiming to chart a course towards lasting peace in the troubled state.
As the sun set on Jiribam, the air was thick with tension and uncertainty. The people of Manipur find themselves once again at a crossroads, hoping that the path of dialogue will prevail over the cycle of violence that has plagued their beautiful land for far too long.
