Fresh Tensions Erupt Along Kangpokpi-Senapati Border After Arson Attacks

Fresh tensions erupted along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border on Monday following a pre-dawn arson at Taphou Kuki Village and a suspected retaliatory attack at nearby Liangmai Taphou Village, triggering an armed confrontation and the torching of several more houses, officials and local sources said.

A pucca house belonging to Paojalun Chongloi at Taphou Kuki Village in Kangpokpi district was allegedly set ablaze around 2.30 am, completely destroying the residence along with valuable belongings and important documents. The family reportedly had a narrow escape and suffered no physical injuries.

In a suspected retaliatory attack, an allegedly unoccupied kutcha house near the roadside at Liangmei Taphou Village, located a short distance from Taphou Kuki, was subsequently torched.

Significantly, both arson sites are located in a heavily secured and highly sensitive border zone, raising serious questions over how the incidents occurred despite the reported presence of security forces in the area.

The twin incidents sent shockwaves across the bordering villages, prompting security forces to rush to the area to contain the rapidly escalating situation.

The situation, however, reportedly deteriorated after villagers from neighbouring Senapati villages became involved, turning the tense standoff into an armed confrontation between people on both sides.

According to local sources, the confrontation initially involved single- and double-barrel licensed firearms. The situation allegedly took a more dangerous turn when individuals from the Senapati-side villages began firing sophisticated weapons.

The escalation reportedly forced Taphou Kuki villagers to retreat, following which at least four more houses at Taphou Kuki Village were allegedly torched.

In the reported crossfire, a CRPF jawan sustained a bullet injury to his foot.

The violence has left the border belt tense and highly volatile, raising fears of further escalation and renewed attacks on vulnerable civilian settlements.

The incidents have also raised serious questions over the security arrangements along the Kangpokpi-Senapati border and the ability of security forces to prevent retaliatory violence from spiralling into a wider confrontation.

Following the incident, people in Senapati imposed a shutdown in Senapati district headquarters.