Manipur: Six abandoned Meitei houses torched, security forces avert communal clash
Fresh tensions flared in Manipur on Saturday after at least six abandoned houses belonging to the Meitei community were set ablaze in the sensitive Kanto
Fresh tensions flared in Manipur on Saturday after at least six abandoned houses belonging to the Meitei community were set ablaze in the sensitive Kanto Sabal area near Leimakhong Army Camp in Imphal West district, triggering protests and a security crackdown to prevent a wider communal confrontation. According to officials, the incident occurred around 12:30 pm when a large group of people from neighbouring Kangpokpi district, reportedly participating in a rally against the inter-district economic blockade, allegedly set fire to the abandoned houses. The properties had remained vacant since the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. Read Full Story The affected houses belonged to L. Sanathoi (21), L. Rajesh (36), L. Rahul (31), L. Nungshitombi, T. Leiri (80), and Kangjam Guni (75). As flames engulfed the structures, residents of nearby Meitei villages attempted to march towards Kanto Sabal.
Army and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel intercepted the crowd to prevent the situation from escalating into a fresh communal clash. Security personnel used tear gas shells and carried out a baton charge to disperse the gathering after tensions mounted. Local residents claimed that three people sustained minor injuries during the confrontation. Official sources said security forces successfully prevented a potentially serious communal clash after nearly 600 people attempted to advance towards the affected area. Authorities maintained that while miscreants managed to set fire to some abandoned houses, prompt intervention prevented the blaze from spreading further. No fatalities were reported. In a statement, Manipur Police said a criminal case had been registered and an investigation was underway. Joint teams of the Manipur Police, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the Army arrested two individuals in connection with the incident.
The arrested persons were identified as Kammang Lhouvum (65), chief of Hengjang village and chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), and Pagin Hangshing (30), a resident of Khunkho Kuki village. Police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other individuals allegedly involved in the arson and mob disturbance. Following the incident, local residents staged protests, accusing security forces of failing to prevent the arson despite their deployment in the area. Protesters also questioned why they were stopped from reaching the site while the houses were allegedly being burned. Security forces appealed to all communities to maintain peace, refrain from spreading rumours, and cooperate with authorities to preserve law and order. The incident also drew criticism from several civil society organisations. Apunba Ima Lup member Sangeeta Keisham questioned the government's handling of the situation, alleging that attacks on Meitei settlements had continued despite recent efforts to recover illegal weapons in the valley.
The BriefWire