The complaint submitted to the Manipur Human Rights Commission highlights the failure of law enforcement and administrative authorities to protect the Meitei community and prevent the violence. It calls for immediate action to address the grievances of the displaced families and ensure their safety and security.
TFM Desk
Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) on Tuesday criticized Rajiv Singh, the Director General of Police, and Kuldeip Singh, the Security Advisor to the State Government, for their failure to take timely preemptive actions that could have prevented hundreds of families from fleeing their homes in Jiribam.
This criticism came during a hearing on a petition concerning the violence in Jiribam by an MHRC bench, comprising Chairperson UB Saha and Member KK Singh.
There has been gross negligence on the part of the Director General of Police, Manipur and Advisor (Security) to the Government of Manipur in the prevention of human rights violation perpetrated by suspected armed Kuki militants in Jiribam district particularly the Meitei villagers living in Lamtai Khunou, Loukoibung, Harinagar, Naryanpur, Bhutangkhal and Leisabithol, alleged a complaint filed with the Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC).
The MHRC received a dire complaint documenting a series of violent events leading to widespread displacement and destruction in the Jiribam district of Manipur. The complaint, filed by Saikhom Kamala Kanta Singha and Fanjowbam Lokenath Singha, outlines the severe impact of ethnic conflict on the Meitei community in the region.
Incident Details and Immediate Impact
On June 6, 2024, at approximately 4 PM, Soibam Sharatkumar, a resident of Gulathol, Jiribam, was reportedly abducted and later found beheaded in a secluded area. This incident, suspected to involve Kuki militants, triggered a chain of violent attacks against Meitei villages in Jiribam. The conflict escalated, leading to attacks on several Meitei villages, including Lamtai Khunou, Loukoibung, Harinagar, Naryanpur, Bhutangkhal, and Leisabithol, resulting in the destruction of homes and forcing residents to seek refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps.
Sequence of Violent Events
- Initial Abduction and Murder: On June 6, 2024, Soibam Sharatkumar was abducted and later found beheaded. His family reported suspicious activities near the Police/IRB training center, where they saw non-Meitei men consuming liquor near an olive-green vehicle. Despite informing local authorities, immediate efforts to trace Sharatkumar were lacking, and his body was found later that evening.
- Curfew Imposed: In response to the rising violence, the District Magistrate of Jiribam imposed a ‘Public Curfew’ on June 6, 2024, to prevent further unrest. Despite these measures, the situation worsened.
- Attacks on Meitei Villages: Starting on June 8, 2024, armed Kuki militants launched attacks on several Meitei villages, burning down homes and displacing residents. Key incidents include:
- Lamtai Khunou: 86 Meitei households were evacuated, with residents taking refuge at Borobekra police station and later being moved to IDP camps.
- Loukoibung: Five houses were burnt, and residents took refuge at IDP camps in Jiribam.
- Harinagar: All four Meitei households were burnt down, and families sought refuge at Jiribam Higher Secondary School.
- Naryanpur: Five Meitei households were destroyed, with residents relocating to IDP camps.
- Bhutangkhal and Leisabithol: Similar attacks forced residents to flee and seek safety in IDP camps.
Government and Police Response
Despite the imposition of a curfew and deployment orders from the Director General of Police, Manipur, there were significant lapses in security measures. Many affected areas, including Lamtai Khunou, remained vulnerable to attacks. The lack of adequate police presence and immediate response exacerbated the crisis, leaving many Meitei families homeless and in fear for their lives.
Human Rights Complaint
The complaint submitted to the Manipur Human Rights Commission highlights the failure of law enforcement and administrative authorities to protect the Meitei community and prevent the violence. It calls for immediate action to address the grievances of the displaced families and ensure their safety and security.
Current Situation and Ongoing Challenges
As of now, eight IDP camps have been established in Jiribam, housing hundreds of displaced Meitei residents. The camps provide temporary shelter but lack adequate facilities and security. The displaced families have reported the burning of their homes to the police, but there is uncertainty regarding the registration of these cases and the pursuit of justice.
The situation in Jiribam remains tense, with ongoing threats from armed militants and a pressing need for comprehensive measures to restore peace and security in the region. The complaint serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of ethnic conflict and the urgent need for effective governance and law enforcement to protect vulnerable communities.