Imphal: The Delhi Meetei Coordinating Committee (DMCC) on Tuesday condemned the burning of at least six houses belonging to Meetei families at Kanto Sabal in Imphal West district of Manipur on July 11 and demanded accountability from the security agencies.
In a statement, DMCC coordinator Biramani Sanasam alleged that the houses were set ablaze during a protest march by Kuki miscreants.
The committee said the incident was particularly serious because it reportedly occurred within 50–100 metres of the 57th Mountain Division and the Punjab Regiment camp at Leimakhong, one of the largest military establishments in the region.
Citing eyewitness accounts and videos circulated on social media, the DMCC claimed that the attackers fled in view of the military camp and questioned why the attack was not prevented and the perpetrators were not apprehended.
The committee also referred to the disappearance of a Meetei civilian, Kamal Babu, from the same area last year and said the matter remained unresolved.
Among the houses destroyed was that of former Indian footballer Laitonjam Sanathoi.
The DMCC said the incident reminded many residents of the violence that began on May 3, 2023, when, according to the organisation, more than 800 Meetei houses were burnt in different parts of Manipur.
The organisation further criticised the treatment of Inner Manipur MP Angomcha Bimol Akoijam when he visited the affected area, alleging that the conduct of security personnel reflected disregard for the elected representative and the people of the state.
According to the DMCC, local Meetei and Naga villagers attempted to extinguish the fire and prevent further damage, but security forces blocked access to the area and later retorted lathi charge and tear gas against members of the public.
The committee also expressed dissatisfaction with remarks made by Manipur Home Minister Govindas Konthoujam, alleging that his comments justified the burning of Meetei houses. It called upon the Chief Minister and the Home Minister to resign if they were unable to protect the lives and property of citizens.
The DMCC alleged that security operations were being conducted disproportionately in Meetei-inhabited areas, while areas from where armed attacks allegedly originated received less visible action.
Raising concerns over the implementation of the disarmament process, the committee said that while Meetei groups had surrendered weapons following the Governor’s appeal, some Kuki militant groups operating under the Suspension of Operations (SoO) arrangement had publicly stated that they would not surrender arms unless Manipur is divided along ethnic lines.
The organisation demanded an explanation from the authorities for the failure of security forces to intervene despite damage to public and private property. It also sought an immediate end to all support, funding and protection allegedly extended to Kuki militant groups under the SoO agreement.
Among its other demands were the dismantling and disarmament of militant networks operating in Manipur and the restoration of constitutional rule, law and order in the state.
The DMCC said it stands in solidarity with the affected families and urged the government to ensure the safety of all citizens and bring those responsible for the arson to justice.