Curfew clamped as tension grips Jiribam
Source: Chronicle News Service
Jiribam, June 07 2024:
The relative peace in Jiribam district was shattered on Thursday after violence erupted following the murder of one Soibam Sarat Singh by unknown persons suspected to belong to the Kuki community, prompting the district administration to clamp Section 144 of the CrPC to curb the violence amid escalation of tension in the border district.
In the wake of killing of Soibam Sarat, a Meetei; suspected armed Kukis also destroyed some dwelling houses and farm-houses belonging to the Meeteis using bombs, forcing hundreds of Meeteis residing in distant corners of the district to flee their homes and take shelter in relief camps.
As news of the murder of Soibam Sarat spread, large numbers of Jiri residents particularly the Meeteis stormed the Jiribam police station on Thursday evening demanding return of their licenced guns deposited or collected in the run-up to the 18th Lok Sabha election.
Amidst the melee outside the Jiribam police station, suspected Kukis uploaded a video on social media about torching of a dwelling house of Meetei in Leishabithol village and a farm-house in Nunkhal village, thereby heightening tension.
Subsequent to the intense tension among the two communities and in view of the evolving situation, the district administration of Jiribam imposed curfew under Section 144 of the CrPC.
With the tension likely to escalate, many Meetei residents of Monbung particularly women and children fled their homes as Chingdong Leikai youth club arranged a relief camp for them at Chingdong Leikai Primary School on Thursday night.
Meanwhile, a JAC formed against the brutal killing of Soibam Sarat on Friday morning submitted a memorandum to the chief minister through the Deputy Commissioner of Jiribam.
Demanding necessary action against the perpetrators, the memorandum mentioned that Soibam Sarat, 65, son of late Babahal of Khunou, Sorok Atingbi was killed by Kuki militants led by Gousang of Phaitol village who came in a Bolero vehicle (AS 27 A 2905).Sarat was first kept in confinement by three people while he was returning from his farm-house near the CRPF camp at Jairolpokpi in Jiribam.
After sometime when local youth were searching for his whereabouts, Sarat was found dead, the memorandum mentioned.
It also enclosed a copy of the resolution adopted during a public meet organised jointly by local clubs, CSOs and Meira Paibi.
Among the key demands raised by the JAC include arrest of Gousang of Phaitol village along with his Bolero (AS 27 A 2905) used in the killing of Sarat within 48 hours and awarding befitting punishment.
Other demands include deployment of adequate security to protect the Meeteis settling in unsafe zones/areas of the district in view of the escalating tension and violence and full protection of Jiri-Silchar highway.
The public meet also demanded compensation of Rs 10 lakh and suitable job to a member of Sarat's family and resolved not to claim the body till fulfilment of all the demands.
As per the curfew order issued by the district administration prohibition on assembly of people in exceeding five persons and carrying of objects likely to be used as weapons will cover Jiribam and Tamenglong districts for an indefinite period with effect from Thursday night.
Meanwhile, a police official in Imphal said that the situation remained tense but under control on Friday after local people organised massive protests following the recovery of the body of Sarat on Thursday night with injuries and several cut marks.
The order issued by Jiribam district magistrate Krishna Kumar stated that there is likelihood of wide spread disturbance to peace and public tranquillity in the district.
The district administration has invoked section 144 of CrPC in the district thereby restricting assembly of five of more men which is likely to turn unlawful, carrying or firearms, swords or other lethal weapons and movement of any person outside their residences.
The DM further added that the order will not apply to government agencies involved in the enforcement of law and order and other essential services including media.
In case of emergencies and for persons who want to take out procession for marriage, funeral etc., application(s) may be made to the district administration or to the Superintendent of Police, Jiribam for permission and they shall not take out procession until written permission is obtained from authorities.
Moreover, the district magistrate has directed all DLOs of Jiribam district to keep vigil and safeguard respective government offices/properties so as to avoid any losses of important government properties and documents.
In view of the current precarious law and order situation in the district, Krishna Kumar informed that a combined control room is being set up at DC office, Jiribam for effective, smooth and fast flow of communication and information for controlling the present situation and to bring back normalcy in the district.
All controlling officers of Superintendent of Police Jiribam, 39 Assam Rifles, Kadamtala Jiribam, 87 CRPF Jiribam, 7th IRB Jiribam and ADC/ADM/SDO/SDM Jiribam and Borobekra are directed to depute a responsible official(s) for immediate operationalisation of the control room.
The contact numbers of control room are ADM Jiribam 7085052630 and ASP Jiribam 7005475374, the district magistrate added.
It further stated that the district administration is also trying to help all people in need during these trying times.
The district police and security forces are trying their best to bring the situation under control.
He appealed to all sections of society, especially the people of Jiribam district to maintain peace and calm and not succumb to any false information and stop all activities that are detrimental to public peace and tranquillity.
Similarly, Tamenglong district administration Dr L Langshim Dangshawa has imposed Section 144 of CrPC in the entire villages in the border areas of Tamenglong and Jiribam districts as there is likelihood of imminent danger to human lives and properties which may result in the breach of public peace and tranquillity.
Meanwhile, a late report said that around 240 Meeteis mainly women and children from Lamtai Khunou, Lou-koipung, Narayanpur and Butangkhal villages under Borobekra sub-division fled their villages late Friday evening and have taken shelter at a relief camp opened at Sports complex, Bidyanagar, Jiribam.
(With inputs from agencies) .
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