Jiribam: A shocking incident has rocked Jiribam district in Manipur, where a 31-year-old tribal woman was reportedly gang-raped and then burnt alive amid escalating ethnic violence. According to police reports, armed assailants attacked the village on Thursday night, opening fire indiscriminately, looting properties, and setting fire to at least 17 homes. The brutality has heightened fears of instability in Manipur, already gripped by ethnic tensions.
What the Police Have Revealed
The incident, described in the First Information Report (FIR) as a “racially and community-motivated crime,” underscores the depth of the ongoing crisis. The woman’s husband reported the crime, alleging the perpetrators were illegal intruders. However, authorities have yet to identify those responsible for the attack. In their investigation, the police are reportedly focusing on the racial undertones fueling violence in the region, and they continue to search for leads.
The Fear of Militants in Manipur’s Tribal Villages
In response to the tragedy, the Indigenous Tribal Advocacy Committee (ITAC) released a statement detailing the harrowing ordeal. According to ITAC, the attackers launched their assault by setting homes ablaze and firing rounds as they stormed the village. While most villagers fled into the nearby forests, the woman tragically became isolated and fell victim to the brutal violence. ITAC has called for stronger protection measures, as communities live in constant fear of similar raids.
Ethnic Tensions Grip Manipur
Ethnic violence between the majority Meitei community and tribal Kuki groups continues to tear Manipur apart, sparking mass displacement and claiming lives. Official reports indicate that over 230 people have died and around 50,000 have been displaced in the ongoing conflict. Despite peace efforts, the clashes have deepened the divide, with sporadic violence erupting in various parts of the state, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Calls for Central Government Intervention
Following the horrific attack, tribal organizations have urgently appealed to the central government for intervention. The Indigenous Tribal Leaders Forum (ITLF) in Churachandpur has called upon the Modi government to address the violence and ensure the safety of Kuki-Zomi-Hamar communities. They have also demanded the swift apprehension of those behind this appalling crime, highlighting the need for immediate measures to prevent further atrocities and restore peace in Manipur.
As the violence escalates, there is mounting pressure on both state and central authorities to address the underlying causes of the conflict and safeguard vulnerable communities. The latest tragedy underscores the urgency of a solution to bring stability to Manipur and halt the devastating cycle of violence.
