Tensions in Manipur’s Jiribam district have been further inflamed following the Hmar Inpui, a major civil society organization representing the Hmar tribe, rejecting a peace meeting between the Hmars and Meitei representatives that was moderated by district officials and security forces.
The peace meeting, held on August 1, 2024, at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) facility in Cachar, Assam, was aimed at fostering reconciliation and coordination between the two communities. The gathering was overseen by the district commissioner and senior officers of the CRPF and the Assam Rifles.
Despite the meeting’s intent to stabilize the region, which has been marred by ethnic violence, the Hmar Inpui has publicly denounced the peace efforts. The organization claims that the agreement was reached without its main office’s knowledge, and it has subsequently closed its Jiribam unit in protest.
“Hmar Inpui is shocked by the peace initiative taken on August 1 at a CRPF facility,” stated the group. “We condemn the engaging actors and reject the efforts made without our prior consent.”
The Hmar Inpui’s rejection follows an incident the day after the peace meeting, where the house of a Meitei family in Jiribam was set ablaze by unknown assailants. Fortunately, the family escaped unharmed.
In response, the Meitei Heritage Society criticized the Hmar Inpui, alleging that the organization is acting as a proxy for separatist groups seeking to create a “Kukiland” by destabilizing Manipur. The Meitei group accused the Hmar Inpui of neglecting the suffering of the people and serving vested interests.
During the peace meeting, the representatives from both the Hmar and Meitei communities had agreed to work together to restore normalcy and prevent further violence, including incidents of arson and firing. They pledged to cooperate with security forces and manage the movement of people in the area. A follow-up meeting is planned after August 15.
The region, located 250 km from Imphal, the state capital, had experienced relative calm for over a year until violence resurfaced in June 2024. This violence forced thousands from both communities into relief camps, some of which are situated in neighboring Assam.
Sources By Agencies
