IG Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan reaches Jirighat Amid Manipur Unrest: “No Tolerance for Anarchy in Assam”

To take stock of security measures and to prevent the spread of violence from neighbouring Manipur, Inspector General of Police (IGP, Law and Order) Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan of Assam Police arrived at the Jirighat area of Cachar bordering Manipur. The IGP inspected the border region and reviewed the security arrangements, emphasizing the need for vigilance due to ongoing communal clashes in Manipur. Over the past few weeks, the Jiribam district in Manipur has been tense due to communal clashes, leading to the imposition of a curfew. Around 2,000 people, fearing the violence, have fled from Jiribam to Cachar for refuge.

Given the unrest in Jiribam, Assam Police have heightened their alertness at the Assam-Manipur border. In response, Cachar Police have intensified security in the Jirighat area. Deployments include Assam Police and the Assam Police Commando Battalion at various strategic points along the border. The goal is to ensure that the clashes in Jiribam do not impact the border areas of Assam.

On Tuesday morning, IGP Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan of Assam Police provided an update on the security situation in the Cachar district, which remains peaceful despite ongoing unrest in neighbouring Manipur. Bhuyan emphasized the heightened security measures in place to maintain peace in areas like Jirighat, Lakhipur, and Silchar.

“I have come here to assess the security arrangements,” said Bhuyan. “There is still tension between communities in Jiribam, with curfews imposed and some relaxations in place. We expect normalcy to return gradually as the Manipur government takes steps to address the situation.”

The recent violence in Jiribam has prompted approximately 1,700 people to seek refuge in various villages along the Cachar border. “We have initiated a house-to-house survey to determine how many Kukis and Meiteis have entered each village. This survey will be intensified to identify any unauthorized elements intending to disrupt the peace. After the survey, those found to be unwarranted will be sent back,” Bhuyan explained.

Discussing the security measures, Bhuyan stated, “Our Assam Commando force, along with a specialized assault group, is strategically positioned. We have also intensified 24×7 river patrolling on the Jiri River.”

While addressing the situation in Manipur, Bhuyan remarked, “Manipur is our neighbouring state, and I will not comment on their internal matters. Our priority is to ensure peace in Assam. We will not tolerate any form of anarchy. Anyone attempting to create violence with weapons will face the strictest measures.”

Bhuyan also addressed concerns in the border village of Namdailong, which is close enough to hear echoes of any firing from the Manipur side. “This should not cause panic. We have sufficient forces, area domination, and a good relationship with the locals, ensuring no hostilities here. Our primary issue is the refugee situation. We are collecting their actual names and creating a database,” he concluded.
The ethnic violence that started in Manipur last year has now spread to Jiribam (in Manipur) which is the neighbouring district of Cachar. Since the first week of June, fresh violence has been seen in that area with clashes between two communities and the burning down of houses, police stations, forests and places of worship. This situation poses a threat to the peaceful tribal population of Hmarkhawlien, Jirighat, Lakhipur and many villages along the Manipur border.