IT News
Imphal, July 9:
Amidst escalating tensions between the Paite and Kuki-Zo communities in Churachandpur district, a series of violent incidents have heightened the atmosphere of unrest in Manipur. Reports indicate that armed groups have targeted residences, including an attack on the home of an MLA in Churahcnadpur district earlier this week.
In what could have been a related incident, the house of Seijathang Khangsai, the former secretary of the Kuki Inpi Manipur for Jiribam, Tamenglong, and Noney, was set ablaze by unidentified miscreants in Phaitol village, Jiribam district, at around 3 AM today.
The violence, driven by deep-seated ethnic divisions, has alarmed local authorities and residents alike. Sources reveal that tensions have been brewing for months, exacerbated by disputes over land, political representation, and resource allocation. The arson attack on Khangsai’s house is seen as a significant escalation, symbolizing the broader conflict affecting the region.
Community leaders and civil society organizations have condemned the attacks and called for immediate intervention from the state and central governments. They emphasize the need for dialogue and reconciliation to prevent further violence and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. Security forces have been deployed to the affected areas to maintain order and investigate the incidents, but their efforts have been largely ineffective.
Thousands of Meitei people are currently taking shelter in relief camps amidst the scorching summer heat after armed Kuki militants attacked and burned their houses in Jiribam district. There are reports of the presence of a large number of armed militants belonging to the Hmar community. Just days before Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Jiribam, armed Kuki militants attacked state security forces near Phaitol village, the same area where unknown miscreants burned the house of the former Kuki Inpi Secretary.
