Imphal: Armed miscreants torched at least 12 kutcha houses and a church in separate attacks in fringe areas of Manipur’s Kangpokpi district, leaving residents shaken amid escalating tensions. No casualties were reported.
Armed attackers opened fire and set fire to around nine houses at Tokpa Liangmai Naga village near Tumnoupokpi Thangal. Local sources alleged that armed men from a rival community attacked the village on August 11 at around 9:30 pm.
Villagers from nearby areas rushed to the scene to help contain the blaze. State police and central security forces also rushed to the site to secure the area.
On August 10, three residential houses, including the village chief’s home, were burned down at Kailenjang Kuki village following an armed attack along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border area. Locals suspected the involvement of NSCN-IM, although there was no official confirmation.
The Liangmai Naga Council, Manipur, strongly condemned the arson, reporting that nine homes and a local church were reduced to ashes during the Tuesday night attack.
Calling the targeting of a place of worship and civilian homes a reprehensible act of violence, the council demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible.
The council also urged the authorities to strengthen security in vulnerable border areas as high-level political talks on regional security and highway blockades continue.