Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh expressed deep anguish over the recent killing of six individuals, including women and children, by suspected Kuki militants in Jiribam district. Vowing justice, Singh declared that his government would pursue the perpetrators relentlessly.
The victims—three women and three children—were abducted from a displaced persons’ camp in Jiribam on 11 November following a clash between militants and security forces that resulted in the deaths of 10 insurgents. Their bodies were later discovered in a river in the district.
In a video message shared on X on Wednesday, the Chief Minister described the incident as "barbaric," adding, “Today, I stand here with profound sadness and anger to condemn the horrific killings of three innocent children and three innocent women by Kuki terrorists after being taken hostage at Jiribam.”
Singh added, “Such barbaric acts have no place in any civilised society. Let me assure you that the hunt for these terrorists is currently underway and they will be brought to justice very soon. We will not rest until they are held accountable for their inhuman actions.”
The Chief Minister lauded the swift response by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in defending the Borobekra relief camp, which housed displaced persons.
He stated that approximately 40 to 50 armed militants had attacked the camp and a nearby police station, intending to "spread fear and destruction."
“Thanks to the timely and decisive action of CRPF personnel stationed there, the attack was repelled, neutralising 10 terrorists on the spot and saving hundreds of innocent lives. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the CRPF and state forces for their remarkable courage and commitment to duty,” Singh said.
The Chief Minister urged unity across communities, stating, “Let us all condemn such barbaric violence in the strongest terms. The killing of women and children is a crime against humanity, and such acts can never be justified. Together, we will overcome these dark times and work towards a more peaceful future.”
BJP MLAs skip key NDA meet
On the other hand, the divide within the BJP's Manipur unit widened on Tuesday as 19 out of the party's 37 MLAs, representing opposing sides of the ethnic divide, were conspicuously absent from a National Democratic Alliance (NDA) meeting held the previous night.
The meeting culminated in a resolution to intensify action against "Kuki militants" believed to be responsible for the killing of six Meitei inmates from a shelter for the displaced in Jiribam. However, the absence of nearly half the BJP legislators underscored growing dissatisfaction with Chief Minister N Biren Singh's management of the ongoing unrest in the state.
Meanwhile, the Manipur government has ordered the closure of all schools in six valley districts on Wednesday, citing safety concerns following recent tensions in the state.
In an official notification, Director of Education (School) L. Nandakumar Singh stated, "All schools in the valley districts will remain closed on Wednesday to ensure the safety of students and teachers."
The affected districts include Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur, Thoubal, and Kakching, which have been under curfew since widespread violence erupted following the discovery of the bodies of three women and three children on 15 and 16 November.
Schools in these districts had already been closed on 18 and 19 November due to heightened tensions.
‘Coffin Rally’ in Churachandpur
Meanwhile, Churachandpur witnessed a ‘coffin rally’ on 19 November to pay tribute to and express solidarity with 10 Kuki-Zo youths killed in an alleged gunfight with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jiribam district.
The rally, attended by a large number of participants dressed in black, featured dummy coffins as a mark of respect for the deceased youths, whose bodies remain in the morgue of a local hospital.
Student organisations such as the Zomi Students’ Federation (ZSF), the Kuki Students’ Organisation (KSO), and the Hmar Students’ Association (HSA) issued a joint public notice on 18 November directing schools and colleges to send pupils from Class 10 onwards to participate in the event, wearing black shirts.
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