Imphal, June 9 (UNI) Jiribam district bordering Assam has become the hotspot of Manipur crisis as suspected Kuki militants burnt two police stations, government offices, houses belonging to a different community in the district of late.
Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey discussed the matter with Chief Minister N Biren Singh in New Delhi on Saturday.
The district, largely a Meitei-dominated area, was dominated by Muslims and not affected by the conflict in Manipur which started in May 2023 at Churachandpur district by burning of forest office and complete destruction of all houses, temples, churches belonging to a particular community.
The Imphal Jiribam highway is extremely important for the entire state as the other highway Imphal to Mao is controlled by Kuki militants and more than 41 persons who strayed into the highway are still missing.
Police said a strong team of Manipur police personnel were airlifted to the district and the SP has been changed.
The district is dominated by Muslim, Meitei and Naga and there are few Kuki houses hence there was no trouble earlier. However, a man identified as Soibam Sarat Singh was abducted and beheaded by suspected Kuki militants on Thursday last following which an enraged mob attacked some houses.
Large numbers of militants dressed in war fatigue burnt government offices, two police stations, government offices, vehicles, 80 houses and the militants used bombs to destroy vehicles, houses, the residents said.
About 200 people who managed to escape were taking shelter at the district headquarter.
Congress MP Ak Bimol said those evacuated should be provided help to return by providing adequate security.
COCOMI, civil societies of Manipur blamed the government for failure to stop the attack as it was suspected that Kuki militants would attack the border district as the national highway passes through it.
The organisations said once people flee the villages Kuki militants permanently stay in the area as seen in other districts and key border town like Moreh.
At Moreh border town beside Myanmar border a thriving business centre where Meitei, Naga, Tamil were living peacefully was targeted and now only Kuki militants and their supporters live at Moreh.
