Fresh Firefight Erupt in Jiribam district of Manipur on Friday night, just hours after peace agreement signed between the Meitei and Hmar communities. Intense gunfire exchanged between the two groups resulted in multiple houses being burned down. Casualties were reported from both sides. Adding to the chaos, an abandoned house in Lalpani village was set ablaze by unidentified assailants, further escalating tensions in the district.
Officials stated that an abandoned house in Lalpani village was set ablaze by armed individuals on Friday night. These miscreants, who remain unidentified, exploited security lapses in the area to commit arson. The armed men also fired several rounds of shells and gunshots targeting the village. In response, security forces, including the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), were quickly deployed to the scene to prevent further escalation.
Peace Agreement Reached Hours Earlier
This incident starkly contrasts the peace agreement reached just a day earlier on August 1. Representatives from the Meitei, Hmar, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities met at a CRPF facility in Cachar, Assam, moderated by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles, and CRPF personnel. The meeting concluded with a joint statement promising efforts to restore normalcy and prevent further incidents of violence.
The joint statement mentioned that both sides will make full efforts to bring normalcy and prevent incidents of arson and firing. Both sides shall give full cooperation to all security forces operating in the Jiribam district and facilitate controlled and coordinated movement. The next meeting is scheduled for August 15.