The fire of violence in Manipur is not stopping. 10 militants were killed in an encounter with security forces in Jiribam district on Monday. According to police, at around 3 pm, armed militants attacked the CRPF post at Jakurdhor and the nearby Borobekra police station.

CRPF constable shot

The situation was brought under control after the security forces retaliated. Two soldiers were injured in the encounter that lasted for about 45 minutes. CRPF constable Sanjeev Kumar was shot. His treatment is going on. Meanwhile, 3 AK rifles, 4 SLRs, 2 INSAS, 1 RPG, 1 pump action gun, BP helmet and magazines were recovered from the killed militants.

A case has been registered in this matter and investigation is underway. According to officials, 5 people living in the relief camp in the police station premises are missing. Their search is ongoing.

Bandh announced in Jiribam today

Kuki organization called for a shutdown today. The Kuki Council organization described those killed as village volunteers.

The Kuki-Jo Council has announced a complete shutdown on November 12 from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm in honour of the victims and to express our collective grief and solidarity. The killing of our valuable village volunteers is a devastating blow not only to their families, but to the entire Kuki-Jo community, the Kuki-Jo Council said. 

Why has Jiribam remained disturbed for 18 months?

Sporadic violence has been taking place in Manipur since last year. Following the continued violence between the majority Meitei community and the tribal Kukis, the court had ordered the state government to consider extending the special economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education given to the Kukis to the Meitei people. 

There is a battle for supremacy in Jiribam over the highway and railway line connecting Jiribam-Imphal. All the daily use items coming from outside reach Imphal through these. Both the Kukis and Meitei living around it want to maintain their influence over it.