IMPHAL, Dec 20: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has stated that the abduction and killing of six women and children of the Meitei community in Manipur’s Jiribam last month is a matter of “maintenance of law and order,” which falls under the jurisdiction of the State government. This was revealed in an affidavit filed by the MHA in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) petition in the Manipur High Court, even though the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the case.
The PIL, filed on November 28 by office-bearers of the civil society organization Uripok Apunba Lup, sought a speedy and transparent investigation into the killings, detailed records of the case, and the arrest of those responsible. The petitioners also requested the formation of an independent investigative committee or commission to probe the case and called for compensation for the victims’ families, citing failures by both State and Central law enforcement agencies.
In its affidavit, the MHA stated that ₹10 lakh in ex-gratia compensation is being provided to the families of the deceased, with half of the amount borne by the Manipur government. Assistance is also being provided to those injured in the incident. Regarding the petitioners’ other demands, the MHA maintained that law and order falls within the State government’s purview, making further action from the Centre unnecessary.
The affidavit added, “In view of the position submitted above, no action is pending or warranted at the end of this answering respondent.”
The killings occurred during an attack in Borobekra, Jiribam, on November 11, when six women and children were abducted. Shortly after, a photograph of the victims in an unknown location circulated on social media, and their bodies were later discovered in the Barak River. This incident was one of three cases registered by the NIA related to the November violence in Jiribam.
Another case involves the alleged rape and burning alive of a Kuki-Zo woman, Zosangkim, on November 7, while the third pertains to an alleged attack on a CRPF post in Borobekra on November 11, where 10 armed militants were killed.
A press release from the NIA dated November 26 confirmed that the agency had begun its probe into these cases. A team visited the crime scene on November 21-22 to initiate investigations and is in the process of taking over case documents from local police. However, the NIA has yet to make any arrests in connection with the killings.
The PIL has named the Director-Generals of CRPF and NIA, the Union government (through the MHA), and representatives of the Manipur State government as respondents. A Bench comprising Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar and Justice Golmei Gaiphulshillu Kabui is hearing the case and has issued notices to all respondents. The matter is scheduled to be taken up again on February 3, 2025.
The killings have drawn widespread condemnation, with a funeral for the victims held in Jiribam. The Uripok Apunba Lup has also submitted a five-point charter of demands to the Manipur Chief Minister, emphasizing the need for swift justice.
