Protest staged against NIA summon of Jiri villagers
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, July 19 2025: Large numbers of Meira Paibi members staged a sit-in protest at Babupara Ima Keithel on Saturday against the alleged questioning and summoning of local residents by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in connection with the clashes in Mongbung village of Jiribam district during the height of the violence.

A Meira Paibi member told media persons on the sidelines of the protest that some NIA officials came to Mongbung village a few days ago and questioned local residents regarding the incidents that occurred there as part of the ongoing violence in the state.

The NIA officials even summoned local Meira Paibi members to appear before court.

However, NIA should understand that Assam Rifles, CRPF and state forces were stationed in the village when the incidents and exchange of fire took place, and locals had no knowledge of who came and opened fire, as villagers were hiding for safety, the woman said.

She added that the actions of NIA have created fear psychosis among villagers, and even students are now afraid to attend school.

Strongly condemning NIA's alleged act of questioning and summoning local villagers, the protester said that the NIA officials posed questions as if the villagers were accompanying the gunmen and watching the exchange of fire on the ground.

Jiri Louri Khongthang Lup advisor Hamom Dhani, who also took part in the protest, told media persons that all the gunfights in Mongbung village were between armed Kukis and the state security forces, including police commandos, as well as central paramilitary forces including Assam Rifles and CRPF.

They are still stationed in the area to maintain order, he said.

Dhani termed the summoning of Meira Paibi members to court and accusing Arambai Tenggol of involvement in the clashes as a sign of NIA's disrespect for the Meetei community.

He appealed to the authorities concerned to prevent excessive actions by NIA and warned that more intense agitations would be launched if the agency continues to threaten the villagers of Mongbung and Meira Paibi members.

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