Day 61: Death toll rises, but signs of peace emerge as Kuki groups announce to lift blockade
The state of Manipur continues to grapple with violence as the death toll rises, reaching a grim milestone on its 61st day. In a recent incident, a man identified as David Thiek was killed and beheaded in Langza, a Hmar-Kuki village in Churachandpur district, on Sunday. The attack occurred in the early hours of the morning, forcing most of the village residents to flee. However, a few village volunteers remained behind, including Thiek, who tragically lost his life during the assault.
According to a resident quoted by the Indian Express, the attackers began burning the villages at 3-4 am. Despite being instructed by their Hmar chief to evacuate the area and secure important documents, some young men stayed back to protect their homes from looting. The police confirmed that Thiek was beheaded during the attack.
In another incident in Khoijumantabi, located in Bishnupur district, three individuals from the Meitei community lost their lives in a firing incident. The victims were identified as Ningombam Ibomcha (34), Naorem Rajkumar (26), and Haobam Ibocha (44). The incident occurred around midnight when armed miscreants from the adjoining hills opened fire on the village volunteers stationed in Khoijumantabi. Following this, the district administration reduced the curfew relaxation in Bishnupur district to just five hours – between 5 am and 10 am.
Kuki groups lifts highway blockade and vows to withdraw volunteers
However, amidst the ongoing violence, there was a glimmer of hope as Kuki rebel groups declared their intention to lift the two-month-long blockade on the national highway in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district. This announcement paves the way for the reopening of a crucial lifeline for the state. The blockade on National Highway-2, which connects Imphal with Dimapur in Nagaland, has severely disrupted the flow of essential supplies since the outbreak of violence on May 3. While the blockade was briefly lifted in early June following an appeal by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his visit to the state, it was reimposed after three individuals from the Kuki-Zomi community were killed on 9 June.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Biren Singh also made efforts towards reconciliation, stating that he had spoken to members of the Kuki community and emphasized the need to forgive, forget, and live together.
“I spoke to some brothers and sisters from the Kuki community on the telephone, and said that what has happened has happened. Now is the time to forgive and forget, reconcile and live together,” Singh told ANI.
On Sunday afternoon, Chief Minister Biren Singh visited the violence-hit areas of Bishnupur. With the recent deaths, the total number of casualties since the beginning of the violence on May 3 has risen to at least 137.
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