NCW seeks swift action on Jiribam hostage killing
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, December 21 2024: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has written to the chief secretary Vineet Joshi, and the DGP Manipur Rajiv Singh seeking swift action on the kidnapping and murder of three children and three women by Kuki militants in Jiribam district last month.

In the letters addressed to the chief secretary and DGP, NCW emphasised its authority under Section 10 of the National Commission for Women Act 1990 - which mandates the Commission to monitor matters relating to the deprivation of women's rights, the non-implementation of laws designed to protect women, and to achieve the objectives of equality and development.

The Commission further highlighted its role in taking up issues related to such matters with appropriate authorities.

The letters stated that NCW has received a representation from the Republican Party of India (Athawale), which condemned the violent incident in Jiribam, while referring to the horrifying violence that occurred on November 11, when six individuals, including three women and three children, were kidnapped and murdered in a cold-blooded manner.

Calling the acts of violence profoundly disturbing, NCW expressed deep concern over the incident and urged for immediate and stringent action.

The Commission re-affirmed its commitment to assisting in any manner possible to ensure justice for the families of the victims and to ensure that such heinous acts do not go unpunished.

In light of the gravity of the situation, NCW also requested the state government to take appropriate action as a priority to address the issue and safeguard the rights and safety of women and children in the state.

The Commission further sought a detailed report on the matter to be submitted within 10 days.

Tensions continue to grip Jiribam in the aftermath of the harrowing November 11 attack on Karong Bazar.

That day, over three dozen heavily armed Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants descended on the area, executing coordinated assaults and widespread arson.

Two Meetei elders were mercilessly burned alive, while six villagers, including three women and three children, were kidnapped.

In a calculated move to maximise casualties, the militants targeted a CRPF post to distract security forces as they attacked Meetei villages and relief camps.

However, their plan was disrupted when a CRPF bulletproof vehicle with a mounted LMG, which they failed to notice, intervened, eliminating at least 10 militants.

Days later, the bodies of the kidnapped women and children were found floating in the Barak River.

The Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants have escalated their activities in the district since June, following the killing of a Meetei elder by suspected Kuki militants.

The violence has been relentless, with Mongbung Meetei village enduring over 20 attacks between August and October, involving automatic weapons and explosives.

On October 19, militants launched a series of assaults on Meetei houses, a relief camp, and Borobekra police station.

Further attacks were carried out on November 7 and 10 from Yairolpokpi Hmar village, targeting Mongbung Meetei village.

In another gruesome incident on November 7, a Hmar woman was burned alive in Zairawn village.

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