Survivors and families of the victims of the Jiribam massacre have demanded the death penalty for those responsible for the brutal killings of six Meitei family members by suspected Kuki militants.
The massacre, which took place on November 11, has intensified the ongoing ethnic tensions in Manipur.
Speaking to media persons in New Delhi, survivors of the incident—Telem Uttam Singh, who lost his wife and two children; Telem Mongyai Meetei, who lost his mother and elder sister; and Yurembam Sandhiya Begum, who lost two sisters—made a heartfelt plea for justice.
Through a translator, Sandhiya recounted the horrific events of that day.
“About 30 militants surrounded our village, armed and ready. I managed to escape, but I saw my mother being dragged away in an autorickshaw. It was a nightmare,” she said.
The victims, all internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in a relief camp in Borobekra, Jiribam, following the burning of their homes earlier this year, have been identified as:
- Yurembam Rani Devi, 60
- Telam Thoibi Devi, 31
- Laishram Heitonbi Devi, 25
- Laishram Chingkheinganba, 3
- Telam Thajamanbi, 8
- Laishram Langamba, 10 months
In a tearful address, Uttam Singh expressed his sorrow: “We lost our homes first, and then they came for us in the relief camp. Who kills a 10-month-old baby? They are worse than animals. The pain is unbearable.”
The nine Meitei civil society organisations have condemned the killings, describing them as a “premeditated act of terror”.
In a joint statement, they stated, “This was not a clash between two communities or spontaneous mob violence. The Kuki militants allegedly travelled 200 kilometres to target a Meitei relief camp, abducting and brutally murdering civilians, including women and children.”
The organisations also condemned the release of images of the hostages before their murder, claiming this was intended to increase trauma and incite hatred.
The massacre forms part of the ongoing ethnic strife in Manipur. While the Meitei community seeks inclusion in the Scheduled Tribes category, Kuki groups demand a separate administration, citing historical discrimination and unequal distribution of resources.
The clashes have resulted in over 220 deaths and displaced nearly 50,000 people.
However, Kuki civil society organisations have pointed to the earlier attack on November 7, when a Hmar woman was allegedly raped and murdered by suspected Meitei militants in Zairawn village.
The Manipur government has responded, stating that the violence was instigated by Kuki militants’ attack on the Borobekra police station and neighbouring homes on October 19.
Amid this cycle of violence, security forces killed ten suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam on November 11.
They were referred to as “village volunteers” by Kuki groups. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is now investigating the case.
The families of the victims have called for swift action from the authorities.
“This is not just about us; it’s about justice for everyone. These atrocities must stop, and the guilty must face the severest punishment,” Uttam Singh said.
As ethnic violence continues to plague Manipur, survivors and civil society groups demand accountability and peace.
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