Six People Killed in Fresh Violence in Manipur's Jiribam District

At least six people were killed in a fresh bout of violence on Saturday morning in Manipur’s Jiribam district. The violence erupted when suspected insurgents attacked Nungchappi village, resulting in the death of a 63-year-old man, Yurembam Kulendra Singha. The incident in Jiribam comes after an attack the previous day in Moirang town. An elderly was killed by a rocket-propelled bomb fired by suspected insurgents while he was offering prayers.

According to reports, five of today’s casualties were the result of a gunfight between armed groups from both ethnic communities. These groups, who describe themselves as "village defense volunteers," clashed in the area. The Superintendent of Police in Jiribam, along with a police team, rushed to the scene but came under fire from the insurgents. The police responded strongly, regaining control of the situation after a firefight.

Inspector General of Police (Intelligence) K Kabib stated that militants had attacked border areas including Bishnupur and Churachandpur on the previous day. In retaliation, security forces conducted combing operations and destroyed two militant bunkers. The situation escalated with a long-range rocket attack by militants in Moirang, which resulted in one civilian's death and injuries to six others. The attack on Jiribam was reportedly executed by militants who fired at the village before fleeing the scene.

Since May of last year, Manipur has been embroiled in intense ethnic clashes, resulting in severe unrest across the state. The violence, primarily between the Meitei community and the Kuki tribes, has led to widespread casualties, property damage, and displacement of civilians. The ongoing conflict has been fueled by deep-seated grievances and political tensions, turning Manipur into a volatile region, with sporadic outbreaks of violence continuing to disrupt daily life and complicate efforts toward peace and reconciliation.​