Fresh violence rocked the Kanto Sabal area under Sekmai Police Station today after Kuki miscreants torched at least 6 houses belonging to Meitei , pushing the already volatile region to the brink of another major confrontation. Fire fighter reportedly safe 4 houses, however 2 houses were cinder into ashes.
The arson triggered panic across the area, with hundreds of Meitei and Naga residents converging on Kanto Sabal to extinguish the fire. A massive deployment of Central security forces blocked the gathering from advancing, while tear gas shells were fired to disperse the crowd and prevent the situation from spiralling out of control.
Locals blamed the security forces over failure to protect the houses from the attack by Kuki miscreants stating that it was in their presence that the houses were torched. Why didn’t the security stopped the miscreants from burning the houses, a local said.
Security inputs accessed by Imphal Times indicate that authorities had received prior intelligence warning of possible attempts by Kuki protesters to forcibly remove the blockade imposed by the United Naga Council (UNC) at Kanto Sabal. The intelligence also warned that fringe elements could target and burn vacated Naga houses in the Leimakhong outer area, raising fears of a fresh cycle of retaliatory violence.
House burning reflects serious security lapse: MLA Heikham Dingo
Sekmai Assembly Constituency MLA Heikham Dingo has termed the burning of houses near the Army Garrison at Kanto Sabal as a serious security lapse, alleging that the incident could have been prevented had security personnel remained vigilant.
Speaking to reporters, the MLA strongly condemned the arson and described it as a matter of grave concern. He said the houses were set ablaze in close proximity to the Army Garrison, raising questions over the effectiveness of the security arrangements in the area.
Dingo said that, according to information available to him, at least three persons allegedly involved in the incident had been arrested, while four individuals were reportedly involved in the arson. However, there was no official confirmation from the authorities regarding the arrests at the time of filing this report.
The MLA said he had discussed the prevailing law and order situation with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and urged the government to take immediate steps to prevent further incidents. He expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens and protect their lives and properties.
The intelligence further suggested that the National Investigation Agency (NIA), assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), was expected to launch targeted apprehension operations in Leilon Vaiphai. Anticipating such action, Kuki women reportedly staged sit-in demonstrations at several locations to obstruct the movement of security forces.
Security agencies also flagged the possibility of stone-pelting on military and security installations by agitated groups, prompting reinforcement of security at key entry points and strategic locations.
As a precaution, authorities reportedly advised granting one day’s welfare leave to Meitei and Naga employees, contractors and labourers working inside Leimakhong Military Station. Additional security personnel were also proposed for deployment along the Khonsakul–L. Vaiphai corridor to deal with any simultaneous flare-up.