10 Killed in Manipur Encounter with CRPF, Kuki Groups Call Shutdown
In a violent escalation in Manipur, ten Kuki “militants” were killed in what Manipur Police termed as “retaliatory firing” after an armed attack on security forces in Jiribam on Monday afternoon.
The exchange involved a group of armed men targeting a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post around 3 pm in the Borobekra-Jiribam area, which is predominantly inhabited by the Hmar tribal group.
Heavy Exchange and Recovery of Arms
The attackers were equipped with advanced weapons, including automatic firearms and a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). Police reported that after a 40-45 minute gunfight, security forces managed to bring the situation under control. A subsequent search led to the recovery of ten bodies, along with multiple firearms, such as three AK-47 rifles, four self-loading rifles (SLRs), two Indian Small Arms Systems (INSAS), one RPG, and one pump-action gun, along with bulletproof gear.
Kuki Groups’ Response: “They Were Village Defence Volunteers”
Kuki leaders and organizations, however, refuted claims that those killed were militants. Thangtinlen Haokip, information secretary of the Committee on Tribal Unity (CoTU), clarified, “These are not militants but village defence volunteers who were protecting their community amidst ongoing violence.” He expressed deep regret over the incident, calling it “extremely unfortunate.”
The Hmar Students’ Association condemned the incident, describing it as a “premeditated massacre of Hmar Village Volunteers.” They accused the CRPF of misconduct, citing circulating social media videos allegedly showing bodies being dragged.
Total Shutdown Called by Kuki-Zo Council
In response to the deaths, Khaikhohauh Gangte, secretary of information for the Kuki-Zo Council, announced a “total shutdown” from 5 am to 6 pm on Tuesday. The shutdown, aimed at honoring those killed, is intended as a mark of solidarity and mourning within the Kuki-Zo community. “The loss of our precious Kuki-Zo lives is a blow not only to the families but to the entire community. We demand justice and a thorough investigation,” said Gangte.
The incident has further heightened tensions in Manipur, where tribal groups are calling for peace, justice, and security amid a climate of ongoing unrest.
