At least 15 houses belonging to the Kuki community were reportedly burnt in Chassad village, Kamjong district, following an attack by suspected militants late Saturday night, forcing civilians to flee their homes and seek shelter in nearby forest areas and an Army camp.
The incident followed a gun attack in the village today afternoon in which one Kuki civilian, identified as Seikhohao Haokip, was killed and four others sustained bullet injuries, according to reports.
In a statement issued on Saturday night, police said a joint column of Assam Rifles, the Border Security Force and Kamjong Police had been deployed in the affected area to bring the situation under control.
Deputy Chief Minister Nemcha Kipgen condemned the violence, expressing grief over Haokip’s death and concern for the injured village leaders and displaced families. She described the burning of houses as an intolerable crime and said she had directed the district administration, police and security forces to maintain round-the-clock vigilance, protect civilians and ensure that those responsible were brought to justice.
In a separate incident at Kamjong district headquarters on Saturday night, three Tangkhul Naga civilians sustained bullet injuries in an attack reportedly involving rival armed groups. The injured were identified as T. Chithung, S. Malung and M. Shithung. They were admitted to Kamjong Hospital, where their condition was reported to be stable.
Both locations are near the Myanmar border. Chassad Police Station reportedly received information about the incident at around 6.30 am today. A spot inquiry had not been conducted by the time of reporting, reportedly due to a shortage of personnel.
Local accounts indicated that residents had fled their homes amid security concerns. The full extent of the damage in Chassad, the circumstances surrounding the attacks and the identities of those involved remain unverified. Further details are awaited from the authorities.
