Tension runs thick at Jiri, indefinite curfew comes into force
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal/Jiribam, June 07 2024: A tense situation has unfolded at Jiribam following the murder of a 59 year man near Mulargaon and the same has compelled the authority to impose curfew in the district.

Last midnight, there were cases of arson at Leisabithol, Nunkhal and Dibong Khunou but the motive behind the attack could not be confirmed as of yet.

There was also a report of firing at a small village near Jiribam Chandrapur at around 5 pm today and the villagers fled from the place for a while.

Jiribam SP and Assam Rifles visited and it was found that it was a jawan of Assam Rifles on duty who fired the round in the air on seeing some unknown gunmen approaching the village.

Tension runs thick at Jiri, indefinite curfew comes into force

229 people from Lamtai Khunou in Jiribam including women and children have taken refuge at a relief camp set up at Multi Sports Complex at Bidyanagar.

Sensing the situation, CrPC 144 has been imposed in Jiribam for an indefinite period by the District Magistrate.

Security measures have also been taken up at strategic locations of the district to prevent unwanted incidents from taking place.

Assembly of five or more persons which are likely to turn unlawful, carrying of firearms, swords or objects of any descriptions which can be used as offensive weapons and movement of any person outside their respective residences have been prohibited in Jiribam.

A written approval from Jiribam police is now required for any person other than Government officials, security personnel and essential service providers to go out in case of emergency or for marriage, funeral etc in the district.

Notably, the unrest in Jiribam erupted after one Soibam Saratkumar, a resident of Sorok Atingbi Khunou in Jiribam, was abducted by a group of persons from Khasia Punji in Jiribam while he was returning from his farm at Leishabithol.

Hours later his body was found at a hill near Mulargoan by the security forces who traced him.

Pertaining to the killing, an 11 member Joint Action Committee has been constituted during a meeting held at Khunou Community Hall today and they have resolved to not claim the body until the killers are booked.

The meeting convened by Panjel Club and Kangleicha Club was attended by representatives of different civil society organisations and clubs based in Jiribam.

During the meeting, a JAC christened JAC Against Brutal Killing of Soibam Sarat Singh was formed with 11 members.

The JAC, apart from taking some resolutions, claimed that one Gousang from Phaitoul village was involved in the killing.

In one of the resolutions, the JAC demanded that Gousang should be arrested within 24 hours along with his Mahindra Bolero bearing Assam registration number which was allegedly used in abducting Saratkumar.

Saying that they won't claim the body until the killers are booked, the JAC urged the Government to deploy adequate security forces in Jiribam.

The JAC also urged the Government to take up necessary initiatives to ensure free movement of Meeteis along Imphal-Jiribam road.

Further demanding that a Government job and a compensation of Rs 10 lakh should be given to the victim's family, the Committee added they will submit its charter of demands to the Chief Minister, local MLA and relevant authorities through a memorandum.

Speaking to the media, JAC convenor Kh Sachikanta Singh said that they will launch a series of agitations with the help of different CSOs if the killers are not booked within 24 hours.

Meanwhile, Jiribam AC MLA Md Acchab Uddin has condemned the 'murder' of Saratkumar.

In a video message uploaded on social media, the MLA extended his condolences to the victim's family.

Saying that a peace committee was formed in Jiribam since the initial days of the violence in Manipur to avert the district becoming a battleground, he sought support from the members of the peace committee, political parties, elected representatives, CSOs and womenfolk to prevent extreme violence from taking place in Jiribam.

The District Magistrate of Jiribam also issued a public appeal yesterday to not succumb to any false information and stop all activities that are detrimental to peace and tranquillity.