Manipur crisis: Meitei and Hmar groups sign pact to restore peace in Jiribam
IMPHAL: Representatives of the Meitei and Hmar communities have agreed to work together to restore normalcy in the violence-hit Jiribam district of Manipur.
The agreement was reached during a meeting held at a CRPF facility in Cachar district of Assam on Thursday (August 01).
Moderated by the Jiribam district administration, Assam Rifles and CRPF personnel, the meeting also included representatives from the Thadou, Paite and Mizo communities of Jiribam district in Manipur.
In a joint statement issued after the meeting, it was confirmed that both sides have committed to making concerted efforts to restore normalcy and prevent incidents of arson and firing.
They pledged to cooperate fully with the security forces operating in the area and to facilitate controlled and coordinated movement.
The next meeting is scheduled for August 15.
The violence in Manipur, which has resulted in over 200 deaths and left thousands homeless, erupted between the Imphal Valley-based Meiteis and the Kuki-Zo groups from the adjoining hills in May last year.
Jiribam, which had largely remained unaffected by the conflict, experienced violence after the mutilated body of a farmer was discovered in June.
This led to incidents of arson and forced thousands to relocate to relief camps.
Additionally, a CRPF personnel was killed in an ambush by militants during a patrol in mid-July.
