The recent outbreak in Manipur’s Jiribam district has led to the displacement of approximately 2,000 individuals, resulting in security forces raising the alert level in the neighboring Cachar district in Assam.
Kaushik Rai, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) representing Assam’s Lakhipur constituency, which borders Jiribam, estimated that about 1,000 people have taken refuge in Cachar, with this number expected to increase.
He mentioned that while the majority of these individuals belong to the Kuki and Hmar communities, both of which are part of the larger Zo tribe, there are also Meiteis among them.
“We, in conjunction with the Deputy Commissioner (DC) and the Superintendent of Police (SP), convened a meeting with various community groups residing in Lakhipur on Monday to stress the importance of preventing the escalation of the situation in Manipur. Our region has a diverse population – including Bengalis, Hindi speakers, Bengali and Manipuri Muslims, Biharis, Dimasas, Hmars, Kukis, Khasi, Rongmei, and others. While some people have sought refuge here, it is crucial that Assam remains unaffected by whatever unfolds,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Cachar SP Numal Mahatta reported that security measures had been intensified in the Lakhipur sub-division, with the deployment of special commandos in the area.
A resident of Hmar Mizo Veng in Jiribam, who prefers to remain anonymous and is currently residing in Hmarkhawlien village in Cachar, was one of the individuals who escaped the violence along with his family. They crossed the Jiri river by boat on the night of June 6, as he recounted.
Despite the ongoing conflict in the state, his family had stayed in Jiribam until they decided to flee. “The number of people seeking refuge is on the rise,” he mentioned. “Currently, there are approximately 400 individuals here. We are uncertain about when we will be able to return,” he added.
As per the district administration, as of Monday, 918 individuals are housed in six relief camps established in Jiribam district, taking shelter in sports complexes and schools.
Most of these individuals are Meiteis who were relocated to the camps by the police and Assam Rifles after several of their homes were set ablaze on June 8.
One of them is Subhita Okram from Madhupur, who is now residing in a relief camp at a sports complex in Jiribam. “We left our village on Thursday upon hearing that militants were surrounding the area,” she explained. “Initially, we sought refuge at Borobekra police station. However, we later learned that our houses were being burned down, leading us to the relief camp. At this point, we are unsure if we will be able to return,” she expressed.