Manipur Tensions: Eleven Militants Killed, Calls for Peace Grow

Eleven suspected militants were killed in a CRPF encounter in Manipur's Jiribam area. This comes amid efforts to quell ongoing violence since May 3. Security forces remain vigilant as state leaders and community representatives, under Home Ministry guidance, work towards peace and dialogue between the state's diverse communities.

Eleven suspected militants have met their end during a fierce encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in the Jiribam area of Manipur on Monday. A CRPF personnel is reported to have been critically injured during the exchange of fire, sources confirmed.

The unrest, which traces back to May 3 of last year, originally erupted due to clashes during a rally organized by the All Tribals Students Union (ATSU). The rally protested the potential inclusion of the Meitei community into the Scheduled Tribe category. Despite the violence, Manipur's Director General of Police, Rajiv Singh, assures the public of ongoing efforts for peace, stating, "These are very challenging times... but we have been trying to tackle with the best strength available."

In a landmark move on October 15, state assembly elected members, from the Kuki-Zo-Hmar, Meitei, and Naga communities, convened to discuss the situation. This meeting, facilitated by the Ministry of Home Affairs in the national capital, marks the first direct dialogue among these communities, indicating a significant step towards reconciliation and stability in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)