Final rites of nine Jiribam victims today
Source: Chronicle News Service

Jiribam, November 21 2024: The Joint Action Committees (JACs) formed in connection with the November 11 incident in Jiribam and its aftermath have decided to claim bodies of the six victims who were killed by Kuki militants after abduction.

This decision follows an understanding reached with the government to address the JAC s demands.

Addressing a press conference held at the office of Apunba Jiribam Meira Paibi (AJMP), Babupara, here, JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Eight Innocent Civilians convenor Y Sanjoy informed that the government assured to fulfil their demands.

The JAC had demanded the arrest of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants responsible for the November 11 attack in Borobekra sub-division, during which six children and women taken hostage were brutally killed, within 72 hours.

The government has agreed to hand over the case to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) .

Further, the government assured the JAC that the Hmar Village Volunteer group, which had issued quit notice to Meeteis, including state and central forces personnel, to leave Barak Circle ahead of the November 11 incident, would be declared an unlawful organisation within seven days.

The government also promised to provide commensurate ex-gratia and suitable government jobs to the next of kin of the victims.

On November 11, heavily armed Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants attacked Meetei houses in Jakuradhor Karong, a relief camp at Borobekra police station, and a nearby CRPF camp.

The militants killed two elderly men by burning them alive and took six civilians hostage, including three children and three women.

All six hostages, including an eight-month-old infant, were later killed.

Their bodies were found with mutilated body parts, smashed skulls, and signs of sexual violence on the women.

During the rampage, a gunfight ensued between the militants and the CRPF, resulting in the death of 10 Kuki militants.

The incident sparked widespread outrage and protests, led by Jiribam United Committee (JUC), which called a 48-hour general strike.

During the protests, police fired live bullets at demonstrators, killing Khundrakpam Athouba and seriously injuring Keisham Bishon.

In response to the demands of the JAC Against the Brutal Killing of Khundrakpam Athouba and Serious Bullet Injury of Keisham Bishon, convenor M Syamkumar confirmed that the government has discontinued the service of Senior SP (Combat) Nectar Sanjenbam, under whose leadership the police opened fire, and an inquiry committee has been set up.

The government also assured to bear all the expenses for the treatment of Keisham Bishon and promised ex-gratia and a suitable government job to the next of kin of Khundrakpam Athouba.

Consequently, the JAC has decided to claim Athouba's body on Friday.

Both JACs expressed gratitude to the public and various organisations for their support during the protests.

They also appealed to the government to release all those arrested in connection with the public movement unconditionally.

The nine victims' bodies will be brought from Silchar Medical College on Friday and laid to rest at Ningshingkhul, Jiribam.

The JAC convenors have urged the public to attend the funerals and pay their respects.

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