IT Correspondent
Jiribam, June 30:
The people of Jiribam have condemned the charges labeled against the Meitei community of arson, looting, and violence by the Hmar Inpui, Jiribam.
In a press release, Jiri Apunba Lup, a local organization, stated that the Meiteis in Jiribam have been living peacefully and maintaining tranquility, without hindering the free movement of the Kuki-Zo-Hmar community in the district. However, the release noted that Meitei-inhabited areas in Borobekra circle were attacked by armed Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants using sophisticated weapons, including IEDs, provoking the Meitei community.
The release also highlighted the kidnapping and brutal murder of a Meitei farmer, Soibam Sarat Singh, by Kuki-Zo-Hmar militant groups within Phaitol Pt.-II, a Kuki-occupied area, on June 6, 2024. It stated that Meiteis living in isolated areas like Borobekra, Mongbung, Leisabithol, Babukhal, and Leingangpokpi have been receiving threats from Kuki militants since the violence broke out in Churachandpur, leading some to seek refuge in relief camps.
The press release further accused Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants of attacking and destroying Meitei houses in Borobekra and Babukhal using bombs. It also claimed that the militants had burned down several police outposts in remote areas of Jiribam, including Jirimukh, Chhotobekra, Leingangpokpi, Makha Basti, and Leisabithol, and recently attacked a police NAKA post at Leingangpokpi, revealing their alleged involvement in drug trafficking.
The Jiri Apunba Lup urged the Hmar Inpui to refrain from making malicious statements and creating false narratives that could lead innocent people astray. The organization warned the Hmar Inpui to consider the press release as a “storm warning” against them.
