9 houses set ablaze by unknown armed individuals in Manipur’s Kangpokpi

Officials said the incident occurred around 9.30pm on Tuesday at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village located near Tumnoupokpi Thangal village

At least nine houses in Manipur’s Tokpa Liangmai village in Kangpokpi district were allegedly set ablaze on Tuesday night by unknown armed individuals, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred after the lifting of the counter-economic blockade imposed by the working committee of the Kuki CSO. (ANI/Representative Photo)

Officials said the incident occurred around 9.30pm on Tuesday at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village located near Tumnoupokpi Thangal village in Kangpokpi district, locals claimed inaction by security forces.

The incident occurred after the lifting of the counter-economic blockade imposed by the working committee of the Kuki CSO in retaliation for the indefinite blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC).

A statement issued by Tokpa Naga Village Authority (TNVA) on Wednesday said, “A group of armed persons in full camouflage uniforms and allegedly carrying sophisticated automatic weapons entered Tokpa Naga Village. The assailants reportedly resorted to indiscriminate firing and set fire to nine residential houses, one church and other properties causing extensive damage and displacing affected families.”

TNVA alleged that the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Kangpokpi police stationed at Kalaphar High School located near where the incident happened did not respond immediately despite repeated appeals.

The village authority demanded an immediate investigation, registration of a first information report, booking of those responsible, immediate deployment of adequate security forces for the safeguard of the villagers, and immediate relief, rehabilitation and compensation for the affected families.

Additionally, the Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur alleged that “Kuki Narco-terrorists” were responsible for the attack.

The council urged the government and concerned security authorities to act with urgency, impartiality and constitutional responsibility.

The ethnic clashes in Manipur began between the Meitei and Kuki communities before involving almost every community. The state’s Meitei and the Kuki-Zo communities shut each other out from the areas they dominate since ethnic clashes began in May 2023 and left at least 260 people dead and displaced 60,000.