November 14, 2024

Jiribam Massacre Sparks Widespread Condemnation, Calls for Non-Cooperation with CRPF

Effective immediately, this order warns that any CRPF personnel seen outside will face consequences at their own risk.
By THJ Staff — On November 13, 2024

Following what it condemns as "inhumane and barbaric actions" by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jiribam, the Kuki Students' Organisation (KSO) General Headquarters has issued a forceful directive, barring CRPF personnel from leaving their camp premises in Kuki-dominated areas. Effective immediately, this order warns that any CRPF personnel seen outside will face consequences at their own risk.

This unprecedented measure signals a major escalation as the KSO launches a larger "Non-Cooperation Movement" against the CRPF, aiming to unite the community in resisting CRPF presence until accountability is delivered. KSO leaders have instructed all district and block branches to enforce the directive rigorously, emphasizing the need for solidarity among the Kuki people in response to what they view as unacceptable actions by security forces.

The KSO has also appealed directly to the public, urging full compliance with the non-cooperation movement until the CRPF issues a public apology. The organization's Department of Information and Publicity underscored that this directive will remain in force as a stand against what they describe as "systemic injustice."

In a powerful response to what it describes as "brutal massacre" by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Jiribam on 11 November, the Zomi Students Federation (ZSF) also announced an immediate social boycott of the CRPF. The ZSF claims that eleven young members of their community were "treacherously murdered" in a targeted attack, sparking widespread outrage.

The federation asserts that the CRPF, led by DIG (Operations) Huidrom Premjit, is acting on the orders of a "communal state government" to carry out acts of violence against their people. They allege that Premjit, who has previously provided financial support to the militant group Arambai Tenggol, is using his position to wage a campaign of “genocide.”

The ZSF has demanded an urgent, court-monitored investigation into what they describe as a “fake encounter” and called for the immediate transfer of all Meitei officers within the CRPF to other states. "This is no longer about law and order—it's a calculated assault on our community,” the ZSF stated, insisting on swift accountability and justice.

The Hmar Students' Association (HSA) has also made an urgent appeal to the Indian government and global human rights bodies, demanding immediate action to protect their community following the recent murders in Jakhradawr and attack on Zairawn.

The HSA outlined three immediate demands: An impartial CBI-led probe into the Jakhradawr and Zairawn incidents, ensuring swift justice for those responsible; immediate removal of CRPF and Manipur police from Kuki-Zo areas, citing community distrust and concerns over bias, and rgent deployment of neutral peacekeepers in Hmar and tribal villages to prevent further violence.

Labeling these acts as targeted violence, the HSA calls on the Indian government and allies to protect the Kuki-Zo community. "Our people are under threat. We demand action now," the statement read, underscoring the HSA's commitment to justice and security for the Hmar people.

The Thadou Youth Association (TYA-GHQ) condemned the killings of 11 Kuki-Zo volunteers and the rape and murder of Mrs. (L) Zosangkim Hmar by the 87th Battalion CRPF and Meitei groups in Jiribam District. The TYA called these attacks a “ruthless disregard for human rights” and urged the central government to ensure justice for the victims.

“The killing of innocent civilians, including women and children, is unacceptable,” the TYA stated. They also expressed condolences to the victims' families and stressed the need for authorities to protect Kuki-Zo communities and uphold the rule of law.

The Kuki Women Organisation for Human Rights (KWOHR) has strongly condemned the recent killings of 11 Kuki-Zo Village Volunteers by CRPF personnel in Jiribam, calling the attacks brutal and discriminatory. Expressing deep condolences to the victims' families, KWOHR stands in solidarity with the Kuki-Zo community during this tragic time.

KWOHR criticized the actions of the CRPF, alleging bias and favoritism towards the Meitei community. The organization emphasized that such violence represents a severe violation of the Kuki-Zo community’s fundamental right to live in peace and security. "A paramilitary force that acts with such partiality is no longer fulfilling its legal or moral duties," KWOHR stated.

The Kuki-Zo Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have raised concerns about the CRPF’s biased actions since the conflict’s outbreak, demanding accountability and transparency. KWOHR is now reiterating its demand for the CRPF to clarify its loyalties.

The organization also condemned the failure of the CRPF to protect Kuki-Zo villagers from violent groups like Arambai Tenggol, which led to attacks, forced displacement, and deaths. KWOHR called for the removal of biased officers and urged the deployment of neutral, professional paramilitary forces to ensure protection for all communities in Kuki-Zo areas.

KWOHR’s General Secretary, Kimneihoi Lhundim, emphasized that the Kuki-Zo people deserve impartial forces that serve all communities fairly, without bias.

You may also like...

A non-profit citizens watchdog of the media which believes in "public enlightenment" as the forerunner of justice and the foundation of democratic principles.
Read More

Contact Info

The Hills Journal
K. Salbung, Churachandpur
Manipur-795128

Copyright © 2024 The Hills Journal. All rights reserved.
crossmenuchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram