Manipur to Declare Kuki Militants Behind Jiribam Killings an ‘Unlawful Organization’ in Seven Days

Imphal:In a decisive move, the Manipur government announced that it will officially label the Kuki militant group responsible for the recent killings of six women and children in Jiribam as an “unlawful organization” within the next seven days. This decision came after a high-level meeting held on November 18, 2024, where the state’s ruling MLAs gathered to address the escalating violence and security concerns in the region.During the meeting, the legislators strongly condemned the brutal attack and voiced their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice. Chief Minister N. Biren Singh assured the assembly that the state government would take all necessary actions to hold those responsible accountable. One of the key resolutions passed in the meeting was the proposal to impose legal restrictions on the militant group by declaring them an unlawful entity. This would allow the government to pursue further measures, such as freezing the group’s assets and banning its activities.In addition, the assembly expressed support for transferring the investigation into the Jiribam massacre to the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The Chief Minister emphasized the need for an impartial investigation by a central agency to uncover the motives behind the killings and prevent further violence.The resolution also focused on bolstering security measures, particularly in light of recent attacks on public figures and government officials. The rise in violence, including assaults on civilians, has raised alarm across the state, and legislators called for intensified counter-insurgency operations to ensure the safety of the people.While the legal and security responses dominated the meeting, there was also a strong emphasis on promoting peacebuilding efforts at the grassroots level. The legislators recognized the importance of local community initiatives in fostering long-term stability, urging collaborative efforts to address the underlying causes of violence.Despite the gravity of the situation, not all legislators were present for the meeting. Out of 38 invitees, 27 attended, with 11 absent. While six of the absentees provided medical certificates, five did not offer any explanation, which raised concerns about the lack of full participation at such a critical juncture.Earlier, on November 16, the State Cabinet had condemned the recent killings in Jiribam and Bishnupur, pointing out that ongoing peace negotiations with several tribal communities had been disrupted by malicious interests. The Cabinet also praised the CRPF for successfully neutralizing militants in an attack on a police station in Borobekera, averting further casualties.As the state grapples with these violent events, the government remains focused on restoring peace and ensuring justice for the victims of the Jiribam massacre.