UKHRUL, NOVEMBER 21: The Meitei Heritage Society (MHS) has sought the intervention of the Minister of Women & Child Development, Annpurna Devi, in the Jiribam killings case.
In a letter submitted to the minister, the Meitei Heritage Society lamented the slow progress in delivering justice.
On November 11, 2024, six Meitei women, including three children were allegedly abducted by armed Kuki Hmar militants and brutally murdered at Jiribam, Manipur.Â
“On that day, 6 Meitei women and children were abducted by armed Kuki Hmar militants and brutally murdered. Among the victims were a 10-month-old infant, Laishram Lamnganba Singh; a 3-year-old child, Laishram Chingkhei Nganba Singh; and an 8-year-old girl, Telem Thajamanbi Devi. Their bodies were later recovered from the Barak River. Post mortem reports revealed they were murdered in unspeakable barbaric manner,” the Meitei Heritage Society wrote.
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Expressing its disappointment over the delay in delivering justice despite the gravity of the crime, the Meitei Heritage Society mentioned that the case was transferred to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on 13 November 13, 2024. However, there was no significant progress for months. The NIA made its first arrest on July 31, 2025 and the second on August 2. Both were allegedly involved only as boatmen. No militant directly involved in the killings has been arrested yet.
“It was only after the Hon’ble Manipur High Court, through its order dated (8th July, 2025), expressed serious dissatisfaction over the delay and questioned the sincerity of the investigation, that any major action followed. Subsequently, the NIA made its first arrest on 31 July 2025, and the second on 2 August 2025,” the Meitei Heritage Society wrote.
The Meitei Heritage Society further demanded that the injured Hmar militant-Commander, who was taken to a hospital in Aizawl be arrested immediately.
“It is also a matter of concern that the massacre took place in broad daylight and in the presence of security forces, who neutralized 10 militants at the site. One injured Hmar militant-Commander John, was even taken for treatment to a hospital in Aizawl. Given these circumstances including clear eyewitness accounts and available visual evidence -the identities of the perpetrators are not in doubt. We therefore request that he be immediately arrested and thoroughly investigated,” the Meitei Heritage Society wrote.
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Demanding justice, the Meitei Heritage Society termed the Jiribam Killings a profound “human tragedy” and a direct assault on the dignity and safety of women and children.
“The Jiribam massacre is not merely a law-and-order matter. It is a profound human tragedy and a direct assault on the dignity and safety of women and children. The families of the victims wait each day in grief, hoping for justice for the barbaric massacre. Delaying justice is perpetuating the misery of the family members,” it added.
The Meitei Heritage Society has sought the immediate intervention of the MoCD to obtain a detailed, transparent status report from the NIA, with clear timelines and accountability for further action.
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