Manipur: Freedom Fighter’s Wife Burnt Alive Amid Violence Against Women

Manipur's ongoing violent clashes between community is causing larger harm to women. With everyday passing, the horror of ethnic conflict is coming out, leaving the country in shock. After a video of tribal women being paraded naked went viral, in another incident on May 28, a woman was burnt alive in Serou village, Kakching district. 

Freedom Fighter’s Wife Burnt Alive 

The 80-year-old wife of a freedom fighter was locked inside her house by an armed group and set on fire, as per the NDTV report. The woman identified as Ibetombi was the wife of a freedom fighter honoured by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. The Ibetombi's husband identified as S Churachand Singh, died at 80. 

The conflict between the valley-majority Meiteis and the hill-majority Kuki tribe started in early May. The Meiteis have been fighting for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status, probably a way to get a reservation. The conflict turned violent, with fatal casualties and loss of infrastructure. Among the most affected village was Serou, approximately 45 km from Imphal, Manipur, which saw massive violence and an exchange of gunfire. 

80-year-old Ibetombi resided in the Serou. She was inside the house, which was allegedly locked and set on fire by assailants who attacked her village. It was too late for the family could come to rescue her, a fire destroyed everything, as per NDTV report. Ibetombi's grandson was also attacked while he attempted to save his grandmother. According to her Grandson, her last words were, "Come back to get me."

As of July 4, 142 people were killed, over 300 wounded, and roughly 54,488 displaced in the state. The most affected areas are said to be Lamphelpat, Canchipur, Bishnupur, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Langol, Churachandpur, Soibam Leikai, Kangpokpi, Moreh, and Kakching. Since the video went viral on July 19, the security forces are on high alert so that no such heinous crime is committed or any new confrontation erupts between the two communities. For over two months, Manipur has been without internet.

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