Blooming Flower Children Foundation School in Jiribam Set Ablaze Amid Growing Tensions in Manipur

In a shocking incident early this morning, Blooming School, a prestigious educational institution in Kalinagar Hmar Veng, Jiribam, was set on fire by unidentified miscreants. The incident occurred around 4:10 a.m., escalating the already tense situation in Manipur.

The school, regarded as one of the best in the district, is owned by Rev. Benjamin Shakum, a well-respected community figure known for his dedication to education and social welfare. The fire has caused extensive damage to the school, though no casualties have been reported.

Rev. Shakum expressed his deep sorrow over the incident, stating, “I am deeply saddened that my school, which I have been running since 1997, was burned down this morning. It stood as a beacon of education in Jiribam for nearly three decades, producing excellent results with no failures in the HSLC exams till date. We have always embraced students from all communities, including many from the Meitei community.”

Shakum, heartbroken by the violence, emphasized that the school has always upheld non-discrimination, welcoming students regardless of their background. “This attack on an institution dedicated to education and harmony is not just an attack on the school but on the values of unity and progress we have fostered for so long,” he said, adding that such acts only deepen misunderstandings and exacerbate conflict. He urged authorities to bring the culprits to justice and address the damages.

Meanwhile, the Hmar Inpui General Headquarters strongly condemned the arson attack on the Hmar community school, calling it an assault on a vital educational institution that has long served all communities in Jiribam. It noted that the Blooming Flower Children’s Foundation School, which had been temporarily closed due to ongoing violence, was being used as a duty center by security forces. However, the attack occurred when no personnel were present, despite repeated requests from the owner for protection.

The Hmar Inpui accused radical Meitei outfits of orchestrating the attack as part of a broader agenda to destabilize the Hmar community in Jiribam. They warned that although the Hmar people are committed to peace, they are fully capable of defending themselves if necessary. The Inpui called on authorities to take swift action to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of the community.

The Hmar Village Volunteers (HVVs) also expressed frustration, describing the attack as a direct challenge to peace in the region. Since the outbreak of communal conflict on May 3, 2023, the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar tribes have largely refrained from retaliation despite numerous atrocities, including the burning of houses and churches and the killing of Bosco Seigoulen Singson. The HVVs issued a stern ultimatum, demanding that all Meiteis, police forces, and even Central Forces stationed in the Barak Circle vacate the area by sunset on October 18, 2024, or face consequences for which they would bear sole responsibility.

The Kuki Inpi of Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney strongly condemned the attack, calling it a crime against humanity and a setback for the region's youth. They criticized the district authorities for failing to provide adequate security and called for immediate action to hold the perpetrators accountable.

The All Jiribam Tribal Union also condemned the attack, urging unity, love, and mutual respect among all communities in the district. They emphasized the importance of peace, quoting divine justice, “God says vengeance is mine, I will repay,” and warned that continued violence only worsens the situation.

As tensions rise, the future of peace and stability in Jiribam remains uncertain, with growing calls for justice and action to prevent further violence.