A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested one of the prime accused in the Jiribam massacre, a solemn candlelight vigil was held tonight at Uripok, Imphal West.
Organised by the Uripok Apunba Lup, the vigil was attended by members of the local community who gathered to pay tribute to the victims of one of the most horrifying tragedies of the ongoing Manipur conflict—the cold-blooded murder of three Meitei women and three children in Jiribam.
The arrest made on July 31 was of Thanglienlal Hmar alias Boya, a member of a Kuki militant group, who played a key logistical role in the abduction and killing of the six victims. According to official statements, Hmar was arrested from Assam’s Cachar district by a joint team of the NIA and Assam Police.
In response to the tragedy, the Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup had launched a relentless 79-day hunger strike earlier this year, demanding swift and impartial action against the perpetrators.
Addressing the media at the vigil, Khoirakpam Tarunkumar, Vice President of the Uripok Apunba Lup, expressed hope in the legal system and emphasised that the people still trust the judiciary to deliver justice. He reminded the public that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the Jiribam killings is currently being heard in the High Court of Manipur.
On July 7, the Manipur High Court directed the NIA to expedite the investigation and file a charge sheet within one month. The court made it clear that delays would not be tolerated and asked the investigating agency to submit a detailed status.
As the community lit candles in remembrance, the vigil not only mourned the loss of innocent lives but also served as a reaffirmation of the people’s resolve to continue seeking justice.
