In the village of Vengnuam, located in Manipur state’s Jiribam district on the border of Assam in India’s northeast, residents experienced a terrifying ordeal when armed men allegedly belonging to the Arambai Tenggol militia threatened their village. One resident, Guite, received a chilling phone call warning of an imminent attack, prompting her to take swift action to protect her community.
Guite quickly rallied about 15 villagers and instructed them to turn off their lights and phones before seeking refuge in the nearest house close to the forest. As they huddled together, they heard the sound of approaching vehicles and gunshots, signaling the arrival of armed men. Fearing for their lives, they silently fled to the safety of the forest, where they remained hidden in darkness, haunted by the memories of past violence.
Their fears were realized when they witnessed smoke rising from their village, indicating that it had come under attack. The arrival of Indian army soldiers the following morning provided some relief, but the devastation left behind was heartbreaking. Guite discovered that her own house, along with the church she attended, had been reduced to ashes. Tragically, a 40-year-old man from the village was reported missing, feared to have been abducted during the attack.
The incident in Vengnuam is emblematic of the deep-seated ethnic tensions that have plagued Manipur for years. The clashes between the Meitei community, predominantly Hindu and in the majority, and the Kuki-Zo tribe, mainly Christian, have resulted in numerous casualties and displaced thousands of people. Government data indicates that over 220 lives have been lost, and 67,000 individuals have been displaced due to the ongoing violence.
