Assam CM Warns Of Potential Spillover Of Manipur Violence Into Barak Valley, Deploys Additional Forces

SILCHAR: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed concern over the potential spillover of violence from neighboring Manipur, particularly in Assam’s Barak Valley region, which borders Manipur's Jiribam district.

“I think the situation in Manipur will definitely have some impact on Assam. That is why we have deployed additional police forces in Barak Valley to see that nothing spills over to Assam,” CM Sarma said while addressing an event in Cachar district.

Barak Valley, located in Southern Assam, shares its borders with Jiribam, a region that is known for its ethnic diversity. Although initially spared from the ethnic clashes that engulfed Imphal Valley and its adjoining hills, violence erupted in Jiribam in June after the mutilated body of a farmer was discovered in a field.

More than 250 died and more than 1,000 were displaced in clashes between the Meitei community from Imphal Valley and Kuki-Zo groups from the surrounding hills since the ethnic violence started off in May 2023.

The violence rapidly increased on November 11, when security forces clashed with suspected Kuki-Zo militants, and 10 insurgents were dead soon after. Six members of the Meitei community were reportedly kidnapped by armed forces in Jiribam and later found dead, worsening tensions.

The Assam government has increased security in Barak Valley to prevent any spillover from Manipur. Authorities remain aware to maintain peace and stability in the region.

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