News Reporter
A new incident of arson unfolded in Manipur's Jiribam district on Wednesday morning when suspected 'tribal village volunteers' allegedly set fire to a house. The police reported that the house, located in the Jakuradhor area of the district, was targeted around 3:30 am.
The property belonged to a retired police officer whose family had already vacated the residence due to earlier episodes of violence in the region. Armed individuals are believed to have taken advantage of the darkness to carry out the attack, burning down the three-room house. The location of the incident, approximately 28 km from the Jiribam district headquarters and near the Hmar-majority Pherzawl district, highlights the continued tension in the area.
This act of violence comes in spite of efforts to maintain peace, following an agreement reached between representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities during a meeting held on August 1 at a CRPF camp in Cachar district, Assam. The meeting, mediated by the Jiribam district administration and security forces, including the Assam Rifles and CRPF, sought to prevent further incidents of arson and restore normalcy to the region.
The discussions included representatives from the Hmar, Meitei, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities, all aiming for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing unrest. However, this latest attack signals ongoing tensions and challenges in maintaining peace within the district. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, while efforts to restore harmony between the communities continue.