Surbala Devi from Manipur was a dedicated mother, shot in the head by Kuki militants

Surbala Devi, a 31-year-old woman from the village of Phayeng, was described as the linchpin of her family. She managed their household, provided for her family, and made sure her children received a proper education. On September 1, Surbala’s life tragically ended due to ethnic violence in her home village. Her death left behind a grieving husband and two young children.

Surbala balanced numerous responsibilities, including raising her children and earning a living through a small piggery and a local rice liquor brewery. Additionally, she was eagerly looking forward to celebrating her son’s mid-term exam results with a special family lunch. On that fateful day, after enjoying a meal with her husband and children, Surbala planned to visit her mother’s house with her daughter and nephew. It was during this visit that she tragically lost her life in an attack by suspected Kuki insurgents.

The attack, carried out with military-grade drones and gunfire, also injured Surbala’s daughter and ultimately took her life. The devastating loss of Surbala serves as a poignant reminder of the innocent lives affected by the ongoing ethnic violence in the region. Surbala Devi’s death adds to the long list of casualties resulting from the unrelenting ethnic strife in Manipur. Her memory symbolizes the irreplaceable cost of conflict and stands as a plea for peace in the midst of chaos.