Imphal: Two Kuki leaders, including a village chief, have been arrested in connection with the July 11 arson and mob violence at Kanto Sabal near Leimakhong, while the Foothills Naga Co-ordination Committee (FNCC) has strongly condemned the incident, alleging that abandoned Naga and Meitei houses were torched and two mission schools were vandalised and looted.
According to Manipur Police, a joint team comprising the state police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Rapid Action Force (RAF), and the Army arrested Kammang Lhouvum (65), chief of Hengjang Kuki village and chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), and Pagin Hangshing (30), a resident of Khunkho Kuki village.
Police said the two were arrested for their alleged involvement in the mob violence that led to several houses being set on fire in Kanto Sabal. Authorities added that efforts are underway to identify and arrest other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.
Meanwhile, the FNCC issued a statement condemning what it described as a “barbaric and unprovoked attack” at Leimakhong Chingmang and Kanto Sabal on July 11. The organisation alleged that six abandoned houses belonging to Naga and Meitei families were deliberately set ablaze during the violence.
The committee also alleged that Cornerstone Mission School and Hope International School were vandalised, looted and occupied by the attackers, causing property damage worth crores of rupees. It noted that the incident came shortly after the killing of Dr Manu, founder and principal of Hope International School.
The FNCC questioned how the violence could occur near the Army’s 57 Mountain Division headquarters at Leimakhong and in the presence of Central Armed Police Forces and the Punjab Regiment. It said the incident raised serious concerns over the state’s ability to maintain law and order.
Stating that there can be no justification for attacks on civilians, homes or educational institutions, the committee described the violence as an act intended to spread fear and demanded the immediate identification, arrest and prosecution of all those responsible.
The FNCC also urged the Manipur government, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs and security agencies to take swift action to restore normalcy, ensure the safety of all communities and bring those involved to justice.
Reaffirming its solidarity with the affected families, the organisation said lasting peace in the region could only be achieved through justice, accountability and the rule of law.