Manipur’s Escalating Tensions: Curfew Imposed in Jiribam Following Militant Encounter

While the northeastern corner of India, state of Manipur, has been witnessing ethnic tensions and violence since more than one year, the latest incident occurring in the Jiribam district where 11 suspected militants are reported to have been killed in a confrontation with the security forces has taken the situation to a newer height, for which a curfew has been imposed and once again the stability of the state is at stake.

The Jiribam Encounter

Security forces in the form of the CRPF clashed with suspected militants in Jiribam district on November 11, 2024, in a fierce gun battle. The militants armed with sophisticated weapons and some seen wearing camouflage uniforms attacked a police station and an adjacent CRPF camp in Borobekra. The exchange of fire at the two camps led to the killing of 11 militants and left two CRPF personnel seriously injured, with one of them reported to be in critical condition.

Manipur

Imposition of Curfew

Due to the possible aftermath of the clash, the district administration had clamped an indefinite curfew on Jiribam. As per the order issued, no one is allowed to carry firearms, swords, sticks, stones, and other weapons. The government agencies and the security forces along with any emergency services like power supply are exempted in this order where prior written permission will be required for the necessary works in an emergency.

Manipur

Response from Kuki-Zo Organizations

The Kuki-Zo Council, that is the community representative body, refers to the victims as “village volunteers.” It has declared a total shutdown in the hill areas to mourn the deaths and demanded urgent and deep probe into the incident to bring perpetrators to book.

Background Ethnic Tension

Manipur was characterised by a complex ethnic set-up, mostly the Meitei, Kuki and Naga groups. The situation worsened on May 3, 2023 with the High Court deciding to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. It was opposed by the tribal body, and violence broke out at a large scale, injuring and killing the civilian population.

Impact on Civilians

The protracted violence has aggravated the impact on the civilians with 60,000 people displaced and more than 260 people dead since May 2023. The attack in Jiribam has frightened the residents and also closed down markets, schools, and offices protesting against the situation.

Government Response

As a result, the state government has cooperated with the central authorities to send additional security forces to ensure law and order. To check the spreading of misinformation and prevent further violence, curfew has been imposed and internet services suspended at times, though such measures are subject to criticism for their potential to curb communication and movement.

Appeals for Peace and Dialogue

Yet, a third advocacy group asserts that peaceful coexistence and dialogue between different ethnic groups in the state would solve the issues pending solution, fueling the conflict. There is now a concurrence that durable peace is unattainable without inclusive discussions considering the interests of all ethnic groups in the state.

Conclusion

The condition in Manipur remains volatile, where incidents in Jiribam revealed the fragile peace of the region. Curfews and security forces are immediate measures to prevent violence, while addressing and building long-term solutions to the causes of ethnic tension require dialogue, policy change, and community engagement.

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