Jiribam

Eleven suspected militants were killed in an encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) on Monday in Jiribam, Manipur. One CRPF personnel was also critically injured during the clash, according to sources.

The violence in Manipur escalated after a rally by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU) on May 3 last year, which protested the demand to include the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribe category. Since then, the state has faced significant unrest.

Manipur’s Director General of Police (DGP), Rajiv Singh, emphasized the state’s commitment to restoring peace and normalcy. Speaking at the 133rd Manipur Police Raising Day, Singh acknowledged the challenges the state has faced but highlighted improvements over the past year and a half. He noted that incidents of violence, deaths, and injuries have reduced, although there are still sporadic incidents of arson and firing. The DGP assured that security forces remain alert to prevent any escalation.

In a positive development, elected members from various communities in the state, including Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei, and Naga, held discussions on October 15 to promote peace and called for an end to violence. These talks, facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs, marked the first direct discussions between the fractured communities.