Jiri villagers flee homes fearing UG attack on IRB

IMPHAL, January 24: Large number of people in Jiribam, especially youths and male persons, have been fleeing their homes to Silchar and Jirighat of the neighbouring Assam since yesterday morning after they got wind that militants of the State are planning to attack the IRB post at Jiribam, according to sources. The sources also said the rumor, that the militants were planning to attack IRB post before the Republic Day, spread about among the residents of Jiribam town two days ago and the terrified residents preferred to run for cover to the neighbouring state. The sources further said most of the youths and male persons have already started fleeing to Silchar and Jirighat in Assam along with baggage since yesterday. Meanwhile, in view of the tension prevailing in general public in Jiribam, representatives of the All Jiribam United Clubs' Association, Jiribam Kuki Inpi, All Jiribam Tribal Union, All Jiribam Women's Association and AMSU Jiribam Branch this afternoon met the commanding officer (CO) and the assistant commanding officer of the IRB post at Jiribam and expressed their concern over the rumours. The CO and AC on their part expressed hope for cooperation from the general public and assured the representatives of controlling the personnel to ward off any misunderstanding. It may be mentioned that the general public in Jiribam were repeatedly subjected to brutality of the IRB personnel following attacks on security personnel by militants.