In response to the latest outbreak of violence in Jiribam, the World Meetei Council (WMC) has issued a strong condemnation against the recent attacks on Meetei villagers by Chin-Kuki groups. The violence, which erupted on Thursday evening, marks a significant escalation in the ethnic tensions that have long plagued the strife-torn region of Manipur.
In a press release issued on Saturday, the WMC criticized the handling of the situation by both the state government and central security forces. The Council highlighted the adverse impact on villages such as Lamtai Khunou and Uchathol, attributing much of the devastation to alleged negligence or inefficiency on the part of the Manipur Government, particularly the Home Department overseen by the Chief Minister.
The WMC’s press release issued on Saturday highlights the adverse impact on villages such as Lamtai Khunou and Uchathol due to alleged negligence or inefficiency on the part of the Manipur Government, especially the Home Department, which is overseen by the Chief Minister.
The WMC claims that instead of safeguarding Meetei villagers, the security forces removed them from their homes, which were subsequently destroyed and reduced to ashes. “What is more worrying is the manner in which the central security forces have handled the situation,” the WMC said. “This raises the question: Is this part of a deliberate plan?” the WMC asked, referencing similar events in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh where the Meetei community faced displacement and property destruction.
Approximately 200 Meetei villagers have been displaced, and their homes have been destroyed, according to the WMC. The organization views these actions as an indication of a severe attempt at ethnic cleansing and urges immediate and decisive action from both the state and central governments to protect Jiribam district from ongoing violence.