Manipur Mourns 'Village Volunteers' Killed in Clash

Churachandpur- Ten people killed in an exchange of fire with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in Manipur's Jiribam district on November 11, along with two others, will be laid to rest on December 5 in Churachandpur. The announcement was made on Saturday by leaders of the Indigenous Tribal Leaders' Forum (ITLF).

The Manipur Police stated that the ten individuals, identified as 'militants,' were killed in retaliatory fire after they attacked a CRPF camp and police station in Jakuradhor village. Two CRPF jawans were injured in the incident.

However, the ITLF, Kuki-Zo Council, and Hmar Students' Association (HSA) maintain that the deceased were 'Hmar Village Volunteers' engaged in protecting the villagers.

Following an emergency meeting on Saturday, the ITLF announced the decision to honor the individuals with a dignified burial on December 5 at the Peace Ground in Tibuong. The ITLF confirmed that a forensic and legal expert had reviewed the postmortem reports, deeming them satisfactory. The ITLF legal cell and HSA will pursue further legal action.

A massive silent rally is planned for the day of the burial, with student organizations asked to prepare placards and banners. The ITLF also called for a total shutdown on December 5 to commemorate the fallen.

On November 19, thousands gathered in Churachandpur for a 'coffin rally' to show solidarity with the victims. The rally, organized by various tribal organizations, saw participants wearing black attire and symbolically carrying 10 dummy coffins to pay homage to the 10 slain ‘Village Volunteers’.