Imphal, July 11: Fresh violence was reported from the Kanto Sabal area under Sekmai Police Station on Saturday after at least six houses belonging to members of the Meitei community were allegedly set on fire, triggering panic and renewed tension in the sensitive area.
Firefighters reportedly managed to save four of the affected houses, while two were completely reduced to ashes. No casualties were immediately reported in the incident.
Following the arson, hundreds of residents from the Meitei and Naga communities reportedly converged at Kanto Sabal to help extinguish the flames and assess the situation. However, a large contingent of Central security forces prevented the gathering from moving further towards the affected locality.
Tear gas shells were reportedly fired to disperse the crowd as the situation became increasingly tense. Security personnel were deployed in large numbers to prevent further confrontation and maintain law and order.
Local residents alleged that the houses were torched by Kuki miscreants despite the presence of security forces in the vicinity. They questioned why the security personnel had allegedly failed to intervene and prevent the destruction of the properties.
“The incident happened in the presence of security forces. Why did they not stop those responsible from burning the houses?” a local resident questioned.
However, the identity of those responsible for the arson had not been officially confirmed by the authorities at the time of filing this report.
Security inputs reportedly indicated that the authorities had received prior intelligence about possible attempts by Kuki protesters to forcibly remove a blockade imposed by the United Naga Council at Kanto Sabal.
The intelligence inputs had also reportedly warned that fringe elements could target vacant Naga houses in the outer areas of Leimakhong, raising concerns that the situation could trigger retaliatory violence involving different communities.
The inputs further suggested that the National Investigation Agency, assisted by the Central Reserve Police Force, was expected to conduct targeted apprehension operations in the Leilon Vaiphai area.
In anticipation of possible security operations, Kuki women reportedly staged sit-in demonstrations at several locations to obstruct the movement of security personnel.
Security agencies had also reportedly flagged the possibility of stone-pelting targeting military and security installations by agitated groups. Security was consequently reinforced at important entry points and other strategic locations.
As a precautionary measure, authorities reportedly advised that Meitei and Naga employees, contractors and labourers working inside the Leimakhong Military Station be granted one day of welfare leave.
Additional security personnel were also proposed for deployment along the Khonsakul–L. Vaiphai corridor to respond to any simultaneous outbreak of violence.
Meanwhile, Sekmai Assembly Constituency MLA Heikham Dingo termed the burning of houses near the Army Garrison at Kanto Sabal a serious security lapse.
Speaking to reporters, Dingo strongly condemned the arson and said the incident could have been prevented had the security personnel deployed in the area remained vigilant.
He expressed concern that the houses were set on fire in close proximity to the Army Garrison and said the incident raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the existing security arrangements.
According to the MLA, information available to him suggested that at least three persons allegedly involved in the incident had been arrested. He also claimed that four individuals were believed to have been involved in the arson.
There was, however, no official confirmation from the police or security authorities regarding the reported arrests at the time of filing this report.
Dingo said he had discussed the prevailing law-and-order situation with Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh and urged the state government to take immediate measures to prevent further violence.
The MLA expressed confidence that the Chief Minister would initiate the necessary steps to protect citizens and ensure the safety of lives and properties in the affected areas.
Security forces continued to maintain a heightened presence in and around Kanto Sabal, Leimakhong and adjoining areas as authorities worked to prevent the situation from escalating into another major communal confrontation.
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