Fresh Arson Erupts in Manipur's Jiribam District Amid Tense Peace Efforts

Suspected tribal village volunteers set a house on fire in Manipur's Jiribam district early Wednesday morning. The retired police officer's house, previously vacated due to violence, was burnt down despite an August 1 agreement aimed at preventing further arson between Meitei and Hmar communities.

Fresh arson erupted in Manipur's Jiribam district after suspected 'tribal village volunteers' set a house on fire early Wednesday morning, according to police reports.

The three-room house at Jakuradhor, belonging to a retired police officer, had been vacated due to prior violence in the district, law enforcement confirmed.

Armed men struck around 3.30 am, exploiting the darkness to torch the house, which is situated 28 km from the district headquarters and near the Hmar-dominated Pherzawl district, police stated.

This arson occurred despite an agreement between Meitei and Hmar community representatives to restore peace and prevent further incidents, discussed during a meeting held on August 1 at a CRPF facility in Assam’s Cachar district.

The meeting, facilitated by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles, and CRPF personnel, featured representatives from the Hmar, Meitei, Thadou, Paite, and Mizo communities of Jiribam.

(With inputs from agencies.)