Insurgent Attacks Rock Manipur's Jiribam District: Homes Ablaze, Police Outposts Targeted

Suspected insurgents launched a series of attacks on police outposts and villages along the Barak River, in the Jiribam district of Manipur, reported NDTV. Beginning at 12:30 am on Saturday in Chotobekra, the assailants burned down the outpost before targeting others in Lamtai Khunou and Modhupur. Operating under the cover of darkness, they arrived by boats, causing widespread destruction and setting homes ablaze.

The assaults come amidst escalating tensions in the region. Just days earlier, on June 6, a man named Soibam Saratkumar Singh was reportedly beheaded by armed individuals while inspecting his farm. In response, enraged locals set fire to abandoned structures and staged protests demanding the return of their firearms, which were confiscated during elections.

Concerned about the potential for further unrest, the District Magistrate of Jiribam imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code. These measures aim to prevent disturbances to public peace and safety. They include restrictions on assemblies, carrying weapons, and movement outside of residences, with exceptions for essential activities and events with prior permission.

Ethnic tensions have further exacerbated the situation, prompting the evacuation of 250 Meitei individuals by the Assam Rifles. The Manipur government has also implemented an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district following protests over Singh's killing.

The local administration has urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with security forces deployed to prevent further violence. A joint control room has been established to facilitate communication among various security agencies operating in the district.​