Senior SP Sanjenbam Nectar Kills Meitei Youth in Jiribam; Inquiry Committee Formed for Investigation

A peaceful protest in Jiribam District took a tragic turn when a senior police officer, Colonel (Retd.) Nectar Sanjenbam, reportedly opened fire on an unarmed crowd, killing 22-year-old Khundrakpam Athouba Ningthouja and injuring another. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and heightened tensions in the already volatile region.

The protest was organized in response to the recent abduction and killing of six women and children in the Borobekra Sub-Division by suspected militants. Emotions were running high as residents gathered to demand justice. During the gathering, Senior Superintendent of Police (Combat) Nectar Sanjenbam allegedly confronted the protesters.

Eyewitnesses reported a heated exchange between the officer and the crowd, which escalated when Nectar Sanjenbam drew his firearm and opened fire. Kh. Athouba, a resident of Kamranga Mamang Leikai, was fatally shot, while another protester, 24-year-old K. Bison Singh, sustained injuries. Kh. Athouba was reportedly unarmed and posed no threat at the time of the shooting.

The incident has ignited public anger, with protests intensifying across Jiribam. Demonstrators, including members of the Meira Paibis, have surrounded the Public Works Department (PWD) guesthouse in Babupara, where Nectar Sanjenbam and his team have reportedly taken refuge.

Crowds have demanded that the officer be handed over for accountability, but as of now, his fate remains uncertain. Tensions have also spread to Imphal, where an angry mob gathered outside Nectar Sanjenbam’s residence, attempting to storm the property. However, Manipur Police is protecting the house of Nectar Sanjenbam and have foiled the attempts of the mob to vandalize the property of the police officer.

Colonel (Retd.) Nectar Sanjenbam was appointed Senior Superintendent of Police (Combat) in August 2023, following a special State Cabinet decision that relaxed recruitment norms. His tenure, originally set for five years, was intended to bolster combat operations in the region.

However, this incident has brought his controversial appointment under scrutiny. Critics are questioning whether proper vetting and accountability measures were in place before his engagement.

In the wake of a violent clash between protestors and security forces near the Jiribam Police Station on November 17, which resulted in the death of one protestor and injuries to another, the Governor of Manipur has ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident.

The committee has been tasked with investigating the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying any contributing factors, and determining if any foul play or misconduct by authorities played a role.

The terms of reference for the committee include - Investigating the cause and circumstances leading to the confrontation and identifying any factors that contributed to the incident.

Looking into any potential misconduct by individuals, including public authorities, which might have led to the escalation. The committee is expected to submit its findings within 30 days.

Additionally, as part of immediate action, the service of Colonel (Retd) Nectar Sanjenbam as Senior Superintendent of Police (Combat) has been discontinued.