Six Vacant Houses Torched at Kanto Sabal; Three Detained, Local MLA Alleges Negligence by Indian Army

Tension prevailed in the Kanto Sabal area on Saturday after six vacant houses, abandoned since the outbreak of the ethnic conflict on May 3, 2023, were allegedly set ablaze following a protest rally by members of the Kuki-Zo community against the ongoing economic blockade.

Kuki-Zo groups organised a rally on Saturday in protest against the blockade imposed by Naga organisations and later supported by Meitei groups, demanding justice for the six Naga civilians who were abducted on May 13 and whose mutilated bodies were recovered on June 10.

Security forces intervened, fired several rounds of tear gas, and stopped the Kuki-Zo protesters from marching towards Kanto Sabal. During the confrontation, several Kuki-Zo protesters were injured. Those with serious injuries were taken to Leimakhong Military Hospital, while those with minor injuries returned home. According to reports, some protesters, angered by the actions of the security forces, allegedly set fire to six abandoned Meitei houses while returning from the protest.

Upon receiving information that the six houses had been set ablaze, local residents of Kanto Sabal, including women, attempted to rush to the spot. However, the security forces used tear gas and mock bombs to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to several people. Local residents and civil society organisations condemned the alleged failure of the Army to prevent the arson and demanded accountability.

Senior police officials, including the Superintendents of Police of Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts, jointly inspected the affected area, launched search operations, and detained three persons allegedly involved in the arson.

Sekmai MLA Heikham Dingo Singh, while speaking to the media, alleged that the incident was caused by the negligence of the Indian Army, as the area where the incident took place is located near the Leimakhong Army Garrison. Dingo informed that three persons allegedly involved in the arson had been arrested.

Manipur Police confirmed that joint teams of the Manipur Police, CRPF, RAF, and the Army conducted operations following the incident and arrested Kammang Lhouvum (65), son of late Vompao Lhouvum, Chief of Hengjang Village and Chairman of the Leimakhong Area Protection Committee (LAPC), and Pagin Hangshing (30), son of Lunpao Hangshing, a resident of Khunkho Kuki Village. Police stated that efforts are underway to arrest other individuals allegedly involved in the incident.