News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/3rd August 2024
A day after a peace meeting between Meitei and Hmar community leaders in Manipur’s Jiribam district, fresh violence erupted, shattering hopes for tranquility. On Saturday morning, shots were fired, and an abandoned house was set ablaze, reigniting tensions in the already fragile region.
The incident occurred in an isolated area predominantly occupied by Meitei households, many of which had been deserted following previous outbreaks of violence. Unidentified miscreants exploited security gaps to commit the arson, according to an official statement given to PTI.
Adding to the unrest, armed individuals fired multiple rounds of shells and gunshots, targeting the village. Security forces were swiftly deployed to contain the situation and restore order.
The violence comes on the heels of a significant peace meeting held on Thursday. Leaders from nine civil society organizations representing the Meitei and Hmar communities, along with Thadou, Paitei, and Mizo representatives, convened at the CRPF Group Centre in Cachar. The meeting was moderated by senior officials, including the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, DIG CRPF of Jiribam, and Commandants of the 39 Assam Rifles and 87 Battalion CRPF. These discussions aimed to mediate between the Zo umbrella groups, which include Hmar, Thadou, Paitei, and Mizo, and the Meiteis, who are currently in conflict in Manipur.
During the peace talks, the leaders agreed on three crucial resolutions. The first resolution emphasized the need for both sides to exert full efforts to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents of firing and arson. The second resolution focused on the importance of cooperating with security forces operating in the district. The third resolution called for controlled and coordinated movements to avoid clashes.
This meeting marked the second attempt at reconciliation since tensions first gripped Jiribam on June 6. The initial meeting, held on July 1 in a hotel in Silchar, saw representatives from 19 groups come together under the moderation of Jiribam Superintendent of Police M Pradip Singh. These efforts reflect a continued commitment to peace, despite the persistent challenges.
Jiribam, a small district with a diverse population, has remained relatively calm compared to other parts of Manipur despite its ethnic mix. The largest ethnic groups in Jiribam include Bengali Muslims and Hindus, followed by Meiteis, along with Kuki-Zos, Nagas, Meitei Pangals, and tea tribes. The close proximity of these communities has often been a source of tension, yet Jiribam managed to maintain a semblance of peace until the recent events.
The outbreak of violence after the peace talks underscores the fragile nature of the situation in Jiribam. The coordinated efforts by community leaders and security officials to establish dialogue and reach resolutions are crucial. However, the latest incident reveals the deep-seated challenges that continue to thwart peace efforts.
As security forces work to stabilize the area, the hope remains that ongoing dialogue and cooperation will eventually lead to lasting peace. The commitment of community leaders to engage in talks and adhere to resolutions is a positive sign, but it is clear that sustained efforts and vigilance are required to prevent further violence and ensure the safety and harmony of all residents in Jiribam.
