Imphal, Manipur: Efforts to restore peace in Jiribam, a district in the northeastern state of Manipur, have hit a roadblock as violence erupts again within 24 hours of an agreement aimed at reconciliation. In the latest incident, gunfire echoed through the district, and a nearby vacant house was set ablaze.
The Recent Incident
According to officials, the violence occurred just a day after representatives from the Meitei and Hmar communities came together to seek peace in Jiribam. Miscreants targeted a vacant house in Lalpani village, igniting it in a brazen act of arson. The incident unfolded in a separate colony where Meitei community members own houses most of which had remained vacant since the initial outbreak of violence. Exploiting the absence of security personnel, the perpetrators struck, leaving the community in shock. Notably, they also fired bullets, further escalating tensions.
The Reconciliation Effort
Two days before this unfortunate incident, a crucial meeting occurred at the establishment of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Cachar, Assam. Representatives from the Meitei and Hmar communities and Thadou, Paite, and Mizo community leaders from the Jiribam district participated. Their joint statement emphasized a commitment to restoring normalcy and preventing further acts of arson and violence. Cooperation with security forces operating in Jiribam was also pledged.
The Way Forward
Despite the setbacks, hope remains. The Jiribam District Reconciliation Forum, comprising 22 members from diverse communities, has been officially formed. Appointed with the advice of the District Administration, the forum aims to facilitate discussions and deliberations between the conflicting parties. Their mission: is to reconcile differences and restore lasting peace. The next meeting, scheduled for August 15, will chart further strategies and review the evolving situation.
A Grim Past
The ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Jo groups has left over 200 people dead and thousands displaced since May of last year. The urgent need to improve this situation underscores the importance of ongoing efforts toward reconciliation.
