At least nine houses and a church were burnt after unknown armed miscreants allegedly opened fire and set fire to a Naga village in Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.
The incident took place on Tuesday around 9.30 pm at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village, near Tumnoupokpi Thangal village, they said, adding that the residents of nearby villages rushed to the spot and helped contain the blaze, while additional security personnel were deployed in the area.
Also Read | Manipur govt announces free movement on NH, Imphal-Dimapur bus service to resume
A statement issued by the Tokpa Naga Village Authority on Wednesday condemned the alleged armed attack and arson.
“...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,” the statement said.
CRPF, police didn't respond immediately
The village authority alleged that CRPF personnel and Kangpokpi police stationed at Kalaphar High School, near the incident site, did not respond immediately despite repeated appeals.
{{/usCountry}}The village authority alleged that CRPF personnel and Kangpokpi police stationed at Kalaphar High School, near the incident site, did not respond immediately despite repeated appeals.
{{/usCountry}}It demanded an FIR and investigation, adequate security for villagers, and immediate relief, rehabilitation and compensation for affected families.
The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur also condemned the incident and alleged that armed men from another community were behind the attack. The council urged the government and security authorities to act with urgency and impartiality.
The incident comes amid escalating tensions between Kuki-Zo and Naga communities in the district.
Also Read | Kuki group ends counter-inter-district economic blockade, highway shutdown
Arms, ammunition, explosives recovered
Security forces and other law-enforcing agencies in Manipur have recovered a total of 1,422 arms; 7,010 rounds of ammunitions and 1,137 different explosives since February 5 till August 11, the state government said on Wednesday highlighting stepped-up security operations along side a sustained political outreach aimed at restoration of peace in the violence hit state.