WMC decries attack at Jiribam
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 08 2024:
The attack by Chin-Kuki terrorists on Meetei villagers in Jiribam this week marked the first instance of ethnic violence in the district, and this act was both dastardly and condem-nable, said World Meetei Council even as it blames the Government for "inefficient handling of the situation" .
Given the background of the violence that has plagued the State for the past 13 months, the State Government should have been prepared, it said in a statement.
Villages such as Lamtai Khunou, Uchathol, and other surrounding areas in Jiribam district have been severely affected by the sheer negligence and incompetence of the State Govern- ment, particularly the Home Department, which is directly overseen by the Chief Minister, said WMC.
"What is more worrying is the manner in which the Central security forces have handled the situation.
Instead of protecting the Meetei villagers from Chin-Kuki terrorist attacks, the Central security forces have been engaging in evacuating Meetei villagers from their homes, thereby allowing the terrorists to burn down Meetei houses," said WMC.
It said the incidents in Jiribam have aroused suspicion if it were part of a deliberate plan.
"Is this part of a deliberate plan? Similar actions were observed in Chura-chandpur, Kangpokpi, and Moreh, where the indigenous Meetei community was evacuated as a form of ethnic cleansing," said WMC.
Approximately 200 Meetei villagers have been evacuated by Central security forces, and their homes have been destroyed and burnt by the Chin-Kukis.
"This is a serious and troubling attempt at the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Meetei people," said WMC, urging both the State and Central Governments to act decisively to save Jiribam district from the violence.