Candlelight vigil in Imphal mourns Jiribam Massacre victims

A candlelight vigil was held at Uripok Canteen Corner in Imphal West on the evening of August 1, to mourn the victims of the horrific Jiribam massacre and express solidarity with their families. 
 

The event came a day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested one of the prime accused in the case.
 

Organised jointly by the Uripok Apunba Lup and Uripok Apunba Nupi Lup, the vigil honoured the memories of three women and three children who were brutally killed after being abducted from Jakuradhor, Jiribam last year. The victims were allegedly murdered by suspected Kuki-Zo-Hmar militants.
 

Speaking at the vigil, Uripok Apunba Lup vice-president Khwairakpam Tarunkumar described the killings as one of the “rarest and most cold-blooded crimes” in recent memory and demanded exemplary punishment for all those involved.
 

Tarunkumar also recalled that the people of Uripok had earlier staged a 79-day relay hunger strike demanding justice for the victims.
 

Expressing hope in the legal process, he reminded the public that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the case is currently being heard in the Manipur High Court. The court has directed the NIA to expedite its investigation and file a charge sheet within a month, warning that delays will not be tolerated.
 

The vigil, while mourning the tragic loss of innocent lives, also reaffirmed the community’s commitment to continue the fight for justice until all perpetrators are brought to book.