Violence Escalates in Manipur’s Jiribam: Chief Minister N Biren Singh’s Advanced Security Team Attacked by Suspected Insurgents

An advance security team, responsible for ensuring the safety of Chief Minister N Biren Singh's upcoming visit to Jiribam, was ambushed by suspected armed militants near T Laijang, close to Kotlen on NH 37 Jiribam road around 10:30 am on Monday. The attack resulted in one security personnel sustaining injuries, prompting a joint operation by police commandos and Assam Rifles to locate the assailants and secure the area.

The ambush occurred as Chief Minister N Biren Singh prepared to visit Jiribam the following day. He had dispatched the advance team earlier to assess the safety and security situation in the region. However, their journey was interrupted by the ambush near Kotlen along National Highway 37.

The incident took place amid a backdrop of heightened violence in the area. The surge in violence began on June 6, following the discovery of the body of Soibam Saratkumar Singh, a 59-year-old Meitei farmer who had been missing for weeks. The discovery sparked outrage among residents, leading to urgent calls for enhanced security measures and the right to arm themselves for protection.

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

The assaults occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region. Just days earlier, on June 6, 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 confiscated firearms.

In light of the unrest, the District Magistrate of Jiribam imposed prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code to prevent disturbances to public peace and safety. These measures include restrictions on assemblies, carrying weapons, and movement outside of residences, with exceptions for essential activities and events with prior permission. The situation has prompted the evacuation of 250 individuals by the Assam Rifles and the implementation of an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district by the Manipur government.​