Imphal: A Cabinet meeting held late on Friday expressed shock at the killing of women and children, noting the peace process led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) that invited MLAs of all communities to Delhi on October 15, 2024, as well as state-led efforts involving ministers, legislators, CSOs, and other stakeholders, had just started to yield positive results. The Hmar tribe and the Thadou tribe, the largest tribal group in the state, had reciprocated positively to peace efforts, echoing calls for a return to normalcy.
Chaired by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh, the Cabinet noted that the Meitei community and the Rongmei Naga tribe were eagerly awaiting a homecoming, hoping for an early end to the crisis.
The Cabinet expressed dismay at the derailment of the peace process by vested groups and resolved to investigate the individuals and organizations responsible for it.
The Cabinet also noted several incidents in Jiribam district: on October 19, Kuki militants burned several houses and attacked Borobekera police station. On October 26, Kuki militants set fire to a house in Moulkangthol village.
On November 3, Jiribam District Police rescued a Vaiphei woman in Chandrapur Rani Veng Babupara and reunited her with her family. On November 7, a Hmar woman was killed, and several houses were burned in Zairawnpokpi Hmar village by Meitei militants. On November 9, Kuki militants killed a Meitei woman at Wathalambi village in Bishnupur district and bombed Mongbung Meitei village in Jiribam district. On November 11, the CRPF repelled an armed offensive by Kuki militants on Borobekera police station, where a relief camp was located, killing 11 militants. In the attack, two Meitei civilians were killed by the Kuki militants.
The CRPF also rescued two civilians during the attack on Borobekera police station, despite one CRPF personnel suffering injuries. The Cabinet expressed gratitude to the CRPF for its timely response, which prevented higher casualties. Tragically, three of six civilians, including women and three young children who were missing after the attack, were found dead.
The State Cabinet condemned the killings of innocent Hmar and Meitei civilians and denounced these cowardly acts in the strongest terms. The Cabinet agreed to recommend to the Centre that organizations responsible for these inhumane crimes be declared unlawful, along with any associated support groups. It further resolved to take the strongest action against individual perpetrators according to the law.
The Cabinet also acknowledged the efforts of stakeholders, including CSOs, community organizations, and Central agencies, who have been tirelessly working for peace. It appealed to all sections of society, regardless of community affiliation, to support the peace process to bring an early resolution to the crisis.
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