Fri Nov 08 05:56:15 UTC 2024: ## Armed Militants Attack Tribal Village in Manipur, Setting Houses Ablaze
**Jiribam, Manipur:** A group of armed militants attacked a tribal village in Manipur’s Jiribam district on Thursday evening, setting fire to at least six houses. The incident occurred in Zairon Hmar village, prompting residents to flee into nearby forests for safety.
While preliminary reports suggest several villagers escaped the attack, Kuki-Zo organizations claim a woman from the village was killed. However, the district police have not yet confirmed the death.
The attack comes amidst ongoing ethnic violence in Manipur, which has claimed over 200 lives since May 2023. The conflict erupted after a ‘Tribal Solidarity March’ organized in the hill districts to protest the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.
Manipur’s population is largely divided between the Meitei community, residing primarily in the Imphal Valley, and tribal groups like the Nagas and Kukis, who inhabit the hill districts.
Police are currently investigating the attack and have yet to identify the perpetrators.
First Piper 