In Manipur, a state ravaged by ethnic violence, more harrowing stories are emerging following the disturbing visuals of tribal women being humiliated by a mob. In Serou village, located in Kakching district, a heart-rending incident occurred where an armed group locked an 80-year-old woman inside her house and set it ablaze. This elderly woman was the wife of the late freedom fighter, S Churachand Singh, who had been honored by former President APJ Abdul Kalam. The tragic incident took place during the early hours of May 28, amid the extensive violence and gunfire that erupted in the region.
Once a picturesque village, Serou is now scarred by burnt houses and bullet-riddled walls, serving as a poignant reminder of the devastating clashes between the valley-majority Meiteis and the hill-majority Kuki tribe. The clashes were fueled by the Meiteis’ demand for Scheduled Tribes (ST) status. During the attack due to ethnic violence on Serou, the armed group allegedly locked the house from the outside while the elderly woman, named Ibetombi, was inside. The house was then set on fire, and despite the efforts of her family to rescue her, she perished in the flames.
Ibetombi’s grandson, Premkanta, narrowly escaped death as he tried to save his grandmother but was grazed by bullets during the chaos. The young man recalled his grandmother’s last words, urging them to flee first and return to rescue her later. When he returned to the ruins of his home after two months, he discovered burnt bones and debris, along with a cherished photograph of his freedom fighter grandfather with former President APJ Abdul Kalam.
The aftermath of the clashes has left Serou market deserted, resembling a ghost town as residents fled the area for safety. The memories of that fateful day are etched in the minds of those who lost loved ones, and the trauma lingers among the survivors. The security forces remain on high alert to prevent further confrontations, and movement restrictions are in place to safeguard villagers from potential attacks. The pain and trauma of this ethnic conflict continue to haunt the residents, making the idea of returning home an overwhelming challenge. The region has been without internet for over two months, further isolating the affected communities.